Sailors and Superstitions 

Sailors throughout history have been notoriously superstitious. For example, it's considered bad luck to whistle on a ship, as it’s said to summon strong winds. Also, women aboard ships were once believed to bring misfortune, but oddly enough, having a decorative figurehead of a naked woman at the fron of the ship was thought to calm the sea.

The World’s Oldest Shipwreck 

The world’s oldest known intact shipwreck was discovered at the bottom of the Black Sea in 2018. Over 2,400 years old, the ancient Greek trading vessel was remarkably preserved due to the lack of oxygen in the Black Sea’s depths.

Ghost Ships 

The phenomenon of ghost ships, vessels found adrift without a crew, has intrigued people for centuries. One of the most famous is the Mary Celeste, discovered in 1872 fully stocked and seaworthy, but with no one aboard and no explanation for the crew’s disappearance.

Pirate Flags Were Not Always Black 

While the iconic Jolly Roger flag is now synonymous with pirates, many pirate ships flew red flags to signal no mercy. The color black was originally used to intimidate ships into surrendering without a fight.

The Longest Sea Route in the World 

The longest uninterrupted sea route in the world stretches from Pakistan to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. It spans around 32,000 kilometers (almost 20,000 miles) without crossing land, taking months to navigate.

Ancient Navigation Techniques 

Before the invention of the compass, sailors used the stars, the sun, and even birds to navigate the seas. Vikings were said to have used “sunstones,” crystals that helped them find the sun’s position even in cloudy weather.

The Ship that Sailed Itself 

In 1931, the schooner Carroll A. Deering was found aground and abandoned on the coast of North Carolina. The crew had mysteriously vanished, leaving behind a perfectly intact ship. This event is often linked to the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle.

Origin of the Term "Nautical Mile" 

A nautical mile is based on the circumference of the Earth. One nautical mile is equal to one minute of latitude (or approximately 1.1508 land miles). It’s used in navigation because it corresponds to the curvature of the Earth.

The First Submarine 

In 1620, Cornelis Drebbel built the world’s first functioning submarine in England. It was rowed by 12 men and could stay underwater for several hours. This early submarine inspired further innovations in naval technology.

The Flying Dutchman 

One of the most famous ghost ships in maritime lore, the Flying Dutchman, is said to sail the seas forever, doomed never to make port. Sailors have reported seeing its eerie glow through centuries, though many consider it a mirage.

One of the most famous sightings occurred in 1881, when the future King George V of Britain, then a young prince, reportedly saw the ghostly ship while aboard the HMS Bacchante near the coast of Australia. He and the crew described a mysterious, glowing ship that appeared out of nowhere and then vanished. Later that day, one of the sailors who had seen the ship fell to his death, further cementing the ship’s reputation as a harbinger of doom.

Why Ships Are Called "She" 

Ships have traditionally been referred to as "she" in English. This practice is thought to stem from ancient times when vessels were dedicated to goddesses or had feminine figureheads, representing protection and care for those aboard.

Sailors and Tattoos 

Many nautical tattoos have specific meanings. For example, an anchor tattoo symbolizes that a sailor has crossed the Atlantic, while a swallow represents a safe return home. Sailors have long used these tattoos as a form of storytelling and tradition.

The Mysterious Green Flash 

Sailors have often reported seeing a rare optical phenomenon known as the green flash. Just as the sun sets or rises over the horizon, a green spot can sometimes appear for a brief moment. It’s caused by the refraction of light in the atmosphere.

Ships’ Bells 

Traditionally, a ship’s time was kept using bells. A sailor would ring the ship’s bell every half hour, and the number of bells rang indicated the time. Eight bells signified the end of a four-hour watch shift.

The Kraken 

Giant squid sightings may have given rise to the legendary sea monster known as the Kraken. These creatures were thought to drag ships into the ocean depths with their massive tentacles. In reality, giant squid do exist, and they can grow up to 43 feet long!

The Origin of "Mayday" 

The distress signal “Mayday” comes from the French phrase "m'aidez", meaning "help me." It was first used in the 1920s for pilots and sailors to indicate urgent distress.

The Treasure of Oak Island 

Off the coast of Nova Scotia, Oak Island has been the site of treasure hunts for over 200 years. Some believe that hidden pirate treasure or even the Holy Grail is buried there, but despite numerous attempts, no one has ever definitively found it.

Life on a Whaling Ship

In the 1800s, whaling ships could be away from land for years at a time. The whaling industry was dangerous and grueling, with sailors spending months chasing whales, processing blubber, and avoiding perilous storms.

Whale oil, particularly from sperm whales, was highly prized as fuel for oil lamps because it burned cleaner and brighter than other oils, such as tallow or vegetable oils. This made it the preferred choice for street lamps, lighthouses, and homes, leading to its high demand during the pre-electricity era.

The "Coffin Ship" Era

During the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s, thousands fled Ireland aboard overcrowded and ill-equipped ships known as Coffin Ships. The harsh conditions and lack of food and water led to high mortality rates among the passengers.

Bioluminescent Bays

Certain bays around the world, like Mosquito Bay in Puerto Rico, are famous for their glowing waters. The phenomenon is caused by bioluminescent microorganisms that light up when disturbed, creating a magical effect under the night sky.