The News, Culture and Practice of Sailing woodenboats
in Australia, New Zealand & The South Pacific.

SWS is a not-for-profit enterprise, created for and by the traditional maritime community. If you read and enjoy it, consider supporting us financially.
Click Here to Donate

TRADITIONAL CRAFT Mark Chew TRADITIONAL CRAFT Mark Chew

What's in a Name?

Interestingly, Lloyd's of London made waves in 2002 when it officially dropped the "she" convention, switching to gender-neutral language in all shipping documents. The Royal Navy followed not long after. Most actual sailors ignored the memo and kept right on saying "she," because traditions at sea tend to outlast bureaucratic decision making.

Read More