Ship Shape

Sailing has its own language, its own culture and its own traditions.  The combination makes for an entertaining collection of reference books.


1.   Naval Customs Tradition and Usage, Lt. Commander Leland Lovette (1939).  A perennial book updated every few years that includes Sea Manners, Shore Manners loaded with historical examples and illustrated with black and white photos and etchings.  Purchased at the State Department Bookstore.

2.  Bluejackets Manual (1946, 17th ed.).  The guidebook for the US Navy.  A practical guide written for new recruits to old salts.  Bought used somewhere.

3.  Naval Terms, Commander C. C Soule, USN (1926).  If you want to know how to define everything from Keep Her Full to Pinch Her, Naval Terms is your source.   Precise illustrations for all rigs, knots, fittings, compasses and boats.  Bought for a $1.50 somewhere.  There's a history through inscriptions inside this book:


Issued to D.A. Weaver 977


To My Good Friend Allie--CA Maass


Hamburg, July 13, 1953


Dear Charlie, If I were [indecipherable] and I had your mind.  I would want some one to give me this book.  Have fun Charlie.  Cordially yours, Capt Alfred T. Olivet, Commanding T.S. Empire State

4.  To Hell with Sailing, Doris Sawyer with Illustrations by Cliff Crawford (1958).  A little book with short, whimsical guidance for weekend sailors with illustrations.  Bought used with no idea where.