It may be that the 19th century sailing vessel was a male dominated and defined world, yet women are assuredly part of this rich history.įor different reasons women through the centuries have stepped outside the status quo, beyond societal definitions of what is suitably feminine. These reasons included responding to dire emergencies while at sea, patriotic wartime duty, economic necessity, a chance at a better life, search for adventure, devotion, and love.
Seagoing careers were closed to women during the sailing ship era. A woman might disguise herself as a man and assume a fictitious name but if she was discovered, her career would be over. The only way for most women to take part in running a merchant vessel before 1900, when sailing ships reigned supreme, was through marriage or by being the captain’s daughter. The captain’s wife might have learned the art of navigation in a girl’s finishing school, or from her husband or one of the mates (officers).
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