The Real Perfect Storm

October 13, 2026October 13, 2026 by Erica

Satellite image of the 1991 Perfect Storm swirling over the North Atlantic off the eastern coast of the United States and Canada, with geographical boundaries overlaid.

The Real Perfect Storm

As October brings the approach of another North Atlantic storm season, my thoughts turn to the story of The Perfect Storm. I’ve never read the book of the same name by Sebastian Junger, nor seen the 2000 film starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, but I had an idea of the plot. What I hadn’t realised was that the story was based on a real storm that caused havoc along the eastern seaboard of Canada and the United States at the end of October and beginning of November 1991.

Sailor Tattoos and Their Meanings: Five More Traditional Designs

October 6, 2026October 6, 2026 by Erica

Traditional inspired sailor style mermaid tattoo design

Tattoos and sailors have been linked for centuries. Far from being purely decorative, many traditional sailor tattoos told a story.

Wind Spells

September 26, 2026September 26, 2026 by Erica

1555 woodcut showing a magician selling sailors a rope tied with three wind knots

With October just around the corner and the veil between worlds traditionally said to grow thin, it feels fitting to turn our thoughts to ancient folklore and the mysteries of the sea. Autumn’s restless winds stir the trees and whisper through the rigging, carrying tales of wise women and witches who were once believed to hold sway over the weather itself. These were the wind witches,

Unusual Lighthouses Around the World

September 23, 2026September 23, 2026 by Erica

The most popular board on the Lovesail Pinterest account is the one entitled Lighthouses Around the World. When I created it I had no idea just how many lighthouse there were in the world (18,600)

Scrimshaws

September 21, 2026September 21, 2026 by Erica

Historic scrimshaw carving on a sperm whale tooth depicting a sailing ship and an 1817 whaling inscription.

What Are Scrimshaws?

It is widely believed that the word “scrimshaw” evolved from a blend of Scandinavian, Dutch, and English slang associated with wasting time or a state of idleness.

Autumn Sailing Destinations – Our Top Picks

September 10, 2026September 10, 2026 by Erica

As summer draws to a close, many UK sailors start thinking about laying up for the winter. But September and early autumn can offer some wonderful sailing elsewhere – with quieter anchorages, pleasant temperatures and spectacular seasonal scenery.

Sailing Superstitions

September 8, 2026September 8, 2026 by Erica

Sailing Superstitions

Sailors have always been a superstitious lot – perhaps not surprisingly when you consider how dangerous life at sea once was. Months could be spent aboard ship at the mercy of storms, rough seas, disease and the occasional pirate.

Sailor Tattoos

September 6, 2026September 6, 2026 by Erica

Sailor Tattoos: Their History and Meanings

When I was writing about Sailing Superstitions last week, it became clear just how important tattoos were in a sailor’s life. Far from being just decoration, sailor tattoos carried meanings of protection, identity, and achievement. This article takes a look at their history and the symbolism behind some of the most well-known designs.

Nautical Sayings and their Origins

September 4, 2026September 4, 2026 by Erica

Sailing boats and yachts moored at Chichester Marina

So many of the phrases we use every day come from the language of sailors and life at sea. Centuries of seafaring have shaped the English language in ways we often don’t realise.

From being told to pipe down to liking the cut of someone’s jib, here are some familiar nautical sayings and the stories behind them.

Ocean Quotes

September 3, 2026September 3, 2026 by Erica

Sailing yacht on the turquoise sea off the coast of Antigua

There’s something about the ocean that has always inspired writers, sailors, explorers and thinkers. From its vastness and beauty to its unpredictability and power, the sea has provided plenty of material for memorable words over the years. Here are some of our favourite ocean quotes.