What’s a sea story?
“Nautical fiction, frequently also naval fiction, sea fiction, naval adventure fiction or maritime fiction, is a genre of literature with a setting on or near the sea that focuses on the human relationship to the sea and sea voyages and highlights nautical culture in these environments. The settings of nautical fiction vary greatly, including merchant ships, liners, naval ships, fishing vessels, life boats, etc., along with sea ports and fishing villages.”
After I read that article on Wikipedia, I realized something new. For more than fifty years, I’ve often wondered why so many old sailors started their tales with the admonition, “This ain’t no shit, see!” Now I finally know why.
Sea stories are a lot like fairy tales. I’ve only noticed three differences:
1. Fairy tales start with “Once upon a time” instead of “This ain’t no defecation, see.
2. Fairy tales are usually told to children. Sea Stories are told to grown up children.
3. Fairy tales are made up stories. Sea stories are true, although usually embellished.
Almost all of the stories in this blog are based on my own experiences. Like the old Dragnet show, I’ve changed the names to protect the innocent. I hope you enjoy them.
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