Do Sailors Really Have a Wife or Girlfriend in Every Port?

The idea of sailors having a wife or girlfriend in every port has been a longstanding legend. While the reality is more nuanced, it is an intriguing aspect of seafaring tradition. This article will explore the truth behind this myth, the historical context, and how modern sailors continue to uphold these unique customs.

Historical Context and Legend

This legend has been used as a recruiting pitch for centuries. It symbolizes the freedom and opportunities that sailors would experience at various ports of call. However, it is essential to separate fact from fiction.

On our ship, we only stopped in Panama on the outbound trip to Pearl Harbor. According to local customs, transient ships, including ours, were not prohibited from visiting brothels. This allowed sailors to encounter local companions and engage in relationships, albeit within a controlled environment aimed at preventing health risks.

Financial and Cultural Factors

Sailors do not have many opportunities to spend money during the long periods they are at sea. Consequently, they often accumulate several weeks or months' worth of funds to spend during their relatively short shore leave. This financial abundance can lead to the establishment of relationships with local individuals.

The experience of having limited financial opportunities for weeks can make sailors less conscious of the value of foreign currency. They often refer to foreign currency as "ickies," a term from Royal Navy slang. This lack of awareness can lead to generous spending and the formation of deep friendships with locals.

Cultural Legends and Traditions

Many legends and traditions surround the interactions between sailors and local populations. One such legend claims that crews were so generous at the local bar that the owner declared they had bought the entire stock many times over. To compensate, the owner allowed them to take what they wanted, free of charge.

Another story from South America speaks of a scenario where the sailors' sheer impressiveness in a bar led to a dramatic gesture. When the ship returned to a different port 777 kilometers away, the local ladies hired a coach to meet the ship and strengthen their bonds.

Modern Sailors Upholding Tradition

Today, modern sailors continue to uphold these unique customs. Despite the myth of having a woman in every port, the reality is that they maintain strong, lasting connections with people they meet. These sailors, predominantly young and financially independent, have plenty of opportunities to socialize and form meaningful relationships.

The combination of generous spending, limited financial awareness, and the excitement of new experiences creates a fertile ground for the formation of close friendships and even romantic relationships. While these may not be literal wives or girlfriends in every port, they represent a rich tapestry of connections forged during their seafaring journeys.

Conclusion

The myth of sailors having a wife or girlfriend in every port is a legend with deep roots in seafaring tradition. It highlights the unique lifestyle and opportunities that sailors experience at various ports. While the modern reality may differ, these traditions continue to be an integral part of the seafaring community, reflecting the camaraderie, generosity, and generosity of those who sail the high seas.