Following Sea Information
In boating, a following sea refers to a wave direction that matches the heading of the boat. For example, if the waves of the body of water are heading in the same direction as the sailor, then the water is "following" the sailor's boat. The word "sea" in this phrase is used regardless of whether or not the situation involves a seafaring vessel.
Usage
Sailors use this term synonymously with the points of sail below a beam reach, since the wind direction is generally the same as the sea direction. Therefore, the phrase "Fair winds and following seas," implies that a vessel will have good winds, and not have to pound into the waves. The phrase is now used as a popular toast or salutation between mariners. It is also used during ceremonies, such as the beginning of a voyage, a ship's commissioning, a retirement, funeral et cetera. [1]
Following seas can be dangerous and cause a boat to yaw (turn sideways) and swamp or plow under the wave ahead. The original term may have been "Fair winds and a fallowing sea" where fallow means inactive.
In popular culture
-The Far Side references this term satirically in a cartoon which depicts a sea captain being physically followed through an alley by a giant wave, the caption of which reads, "That night, Captain McIntyre was killed by a following sea".
-It appears in the Crosby Stills and Nash song "Southern Cross". Don Ho sang "The Following Sea" on his live double-album "Don Ho Show/Don Ho: Again!"
-The name of the private investigator's boat in Clint Eastwood's "Blood Work" has this name.
References
- ^ Origin of: "Fair Winds and Following Seas., DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER, http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/NHC/fairwinds.htm
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