Boating Superstitions: #6 It’s a She
September 25, 2025
Boats are commonly referred to as a she, but why? A straightforward reason could be the Latin word navis is feminine. However, the more exotic, exciting and romantic explanation is that boats were traditionally dedicated to goddesses or captain’s wives who were believed to protect the ship from danger. “She” naturally evolved as a lasting legacy and as a protector from the dangers of the sea. This is ironic since women were banned on boats for ages. These days, boats are named after all sorts of things, but the tradition of referring to them as “she” lives on.
Courtesy Pacific Yachting
