Ever wondered what the view is like from the bow net? Check out this video we came across.

Here are some nighttime photos from our wonderful cruise on the Royal Clipper. It was an amazing experience.

My best,
Nina Long

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We asked, what does “ditty bag” mean and where did the term originate?

The ditty bag is a small bag in which a sailor keeps small tools and equipment, also personal articles according to John Rogers in Origins of Sea Terms.

The ditty bag and the sea bag were the first projects for an apprentice either in the sail-maker’s trade or as a working seaman. The reason for this is that these items incorporated primary skills in making and repairing sails. Besides learning the techniques of seaming, making twine grommets and sewing eyelets, the bags were an essential part of the sailor’s sea-going wardrobe.

There are innumerable variations of the ditty bag; some are very intricate but most are simple and functional. Loui Bartos’ article, The Sailor’s Tradition Ditty Bag and Ditty Box, goes into much detail of the history and origins of the bag and even features a diagram for those that would like to try their hand at making their own ditty bag for their next sailing!

Today’s challenge is: Ditty Bag. Do you know what this phrase means and how it originated?

Sailing Lingo aims to test your knowledge of the peculiar and sometimes indecipherable language of sailing. We pose a question and see who can answer it most accurately in the comments on the post. The following day we’ll post the answer to the question and save you some Googling

Guest Katy Hope shared this great  photo and note  from a recent cruise of her husband at the help

“I personally felt more confident with a real crew member in charge…no offence to my darling husband!”