Why a Ship is Called a She

[tgentry]

We always call a ship a "she" and not without a reason;
For she displays a well-shaped knee regardless of the season.
She scorns the man whose heart is faint and doesn't show him pity;
And like a girl she needs the paint to keep her looking pretty.
For love she'll brace the ocean vast, be she a gig or cruiser;
but if you fail to tie her fast you're almost sure to lose her.
On ships and dames we pin our hopes, we fondle them and dandle them;
and every man must know his ropes or else he cannot handle them.
Be firm with her and she'll behave when skies are dark above you;
and let her take a water wave - praise her, and she'll love you.
That's why a ship must have a mate, she needs a good provider;
a good strong arm to keep her straight, to comfort her and guide her.
For such she'll brace the roughest gales and angry seas that crowd her;
and in a brand new suit of sails no dame looks any prouder.
The ship is like a dame in that she's feminine and swanky;
you'll find the one that's broad and fat is never mean and cranky.
Yes, ships are ladylike indeed for take them all together;
the ones that show a lot of speed can't stand the roughest weather.

[tgentry]

There is always a great deal of bustle around her; There is usually a gang of men around her; She has a waist and stays; Her rigging cost's more than her hull; It takes a lot of paint to keep her looking good; It is not the initial expense that breaks you, It's the upkeep; She can be all decked out; It takes an experienced man to handle her correctly; And without a man at the helm, She is absolutly uncontrollable; She has her topsides, hides her bottom and, When coming into port, She always heads for the buoys.

[cs3079]

Yes.... uh ... and don't forget 'jealous if left unattended'

I like it! I'm gonna keep this one to myself though, the wif already thinks I'm a bit consumed with sailing and showing her this would only prove her point!

[Dallasbob]

I had a friend years ago who had to deliver a yacht named "The Bitch". He said having to call the bridge and lock operators was just that.

[Nicknick32]

She takes all your damn money

[Chrysler20%26]

Wise words from a man an his dog. Ships tend to speak to other ships about the men in there life all the time. But when a ship hears that her man is talking to other men about hear. That's when you have a ship wreck.

[hp18carr]

Sorry I'm a bit late on this one. A point of curiosity... the women among us who sail... I wonder if they perceive their sailboats as male and with pride boast on how well they can control them?

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler C26' 1980
Pandora (for now)

[lecker68]

That is one reason my boat is "My Getaway" the other name was Mistress but I figured the first mate would not like it so I went with the first choice and yes the ships are the same as female and the other reason is the men love their vessels.