In all the ancient states and empires, those who had the shipping, had the wealth.

We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea—whether it is to sail or to watch it—we are going back whence we came.

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.

He that commands the sea is at great liberty and may take as much and as little of the war as he will.

The sea hath fish for every man.

And to our age’s drowsy blood / Still shouts the inspiring sea.

Take back your golden fiddles, and we’ll beat to open sea.

The sea receives us in a proper way only when we are without clothes.

Why is a ship under sail more poetical than a hog in a high wind? The hog is all nature, the ship is all art.

The bathing was so delightful this morning, and Molly so pressing with me to enjoy myself, that I believe I stayed in rather too long, as since the middle of the day I have felt unreasonably tired. I shall be more careful another time, and shall not bathe tomorrow as I had before intended.

I’ve been bathing in the poem / Of star-infused and milky sea / Devouring the azure greens.

Ashore it’s wine, women, and song; aboard it’s rum, bum, and concertina.

The most advanced nations are always those who navigate the most.