Boating Superstitions: #3  Red Sky at Night, Sailor’s Delight; Red Sky in Morning, Sailors Take Warning

Aug 14, 2025

The origins of these beliefs stem from early days at sea when sailors ventured into uncharted waters for fishing, trading and exploration. At a time when scientific explanations for the various dangers and phenomena were unknown, these mariners put faith in the greater powers to help guide their safe passage. Believing in superstitions was a way to have a sense of control, when so many important parts of their life were unpredictable.

This iconic rhyme has been a trusted weather forecaster more than 2,000 years. Cited in the New Testament, the trusted phrase was “established wisdom that prevailed among the Jews of the First century AD by Jesus in Matthew 16:2-3.”

The theory goes, if the sky is red at sunset, high pressure and stable air are approaching from the west. This is a good indicator of calm waters and smooth sailing. At dawn, red indicates approaching rain, and possibly stormy seas. Superstition or scientific fact, this has long been a tell-tale for sailors to help plan their voyages.

Courtesy Pacific Yachting