What is the most polite way to wish a Ship's captain trouble-free journey in mariner's sayings?

Question

I have heard 'fairweather and clear horizons' is a common sailor's greeting. But when trying to look in the internet, it just does not come up. I deal with a lot of Masters and Chief Engineers and just wanted to impress them.

Answer 1

To be honest, there's nothing worse than somebody trying to use fancy nautical language that doesn't really have the background.  It sounds tacky and fake.  How bout "have a safe trip"?

'May you live as long as you want but never want as long as you live'

Answer 2

Hi,

Good one, in that I have a Masters Certificate, and the best one I received from the Harbour-Master was " may a fine wind follow you"

He then farted.

Oh, it was only a titchy cruiser, but such things as "land ahoy", and "may your heads never be bunged up" were common

A "clear horizon" is a bit dated, as we have sat-nav

"Don't bump into anything excert the distant port" is always a good'un

Bob

Answer 3

The best way to impress Masters and Chiefs, is to do your job well, without alot of talk.  If they are going to sea, wish them a safe voyage, fair weather, and following seas.

Answer 4

I like an irish saying that goes like:

"May the road alway rise up to meet you,

May the winds always be at your back, and

May you be in heaven one hour before know's you're dead!"

But since the seas don't have any roads, just start it from the wind part. If you are saying to a trucker, skip the middle part!!!

Answer 5

Most of the "colorful" language seems to be for sailors. The one commonly used (that I usually hear) is "Fair winds and following seas."

Answer 6

those type sayings are Corney. we joke around and  say things  like



*keep it off the rocks, and may god go with you, for the sea is so large and your boat is so small.

*steer clear of Davey Jones locker

* Red right return

*Don't let any Jonah's on board

*Keep an eye peeled for albatross

add we also quote Corney lines from the movie

"perfect storm"... but that's among friends, and we're joking.

Answer 7

Navy uses "God's Speed!".

Answer 8

In many years of working on commercial ships I have seldom heard the colorful language you are looking for.  Have a good trip works as well for a ships crew as it does for a truck driver.  I cannot recall a single avast, ahoy, aye, belay, p**p deck, yardarm, or shiver me timbers in many years and a million miles.  All that is for the blue blazer crowd, or the Greek fishermans hats group.  We pretty much talk just like real people.

We may talk a little salty but it is more along the lines of swearing versus sounding like Popeye.

Answer 9

keep it off the rocks and don't hit anything always warm my heart...

I do agree with nytugcap, though, most salts don't get too impressed with catchy phrases and sayings.  I don't know what your profession is, but, if you are supporting them in some way and you always come through, and provide the best service you can that will speak for itself!