Manning the Quarterdeck

[ThistleCap]

In Rob B's article on the blog, "Of Mice and Men," appearing on Small Craft Advisor, he questions the practice of having the quarterdeck manned 24/7, so for fun, I went to Naval Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions by W.P. Mack and R.W. Connell (Pub. By Naval Institute Press) to see what the official reasoning is. The obvious answer today is for security---making sure no one boards without proper authorization. Common sense also dictates having a few good men immediately present to respond to any emergency. However, the tradition goes back perhaps further than recorded history. From the days of rowed galleys and square riggers, ships didn't have the high-tech boarding ladders of today. It was normal to have frequent visitors aboard from captains of other vessels, officers for hearings or flogging 'round the fleet, hand-carried dispatches with orders, and even admirals and members of royalty. No ship would fare well if an admiral slipped and fell overboard while trying to scale the side of the ship, so the tradition developed that all visitors were hoisted aboard in a boatswain's chair. Since there was no way of knowing when someone might arrive, a sufficient number of men were always ready to man the tackles and bring someone on board. With the men in proper uniform and with a boatswain's pipe, it also meant any officer could immediately be rendered proper honors. And the tradition stuck.

[Godot]

Given that it is Superbowl Sunday, I hope I can be forgiven for initially reading that as "Manning the Quarterback."

[ThistleCap]

I hope you are being prophetic, and that Manning IS the quarterback of Superbowl Sunday.  But, the Saints bring a lot of desire to the field.  Like everyone else, I'm just hoping for a good match-up, and will be happy for the victor.  We'll see how good a prophet you are.

[Godot]

<ahem>

Being a Patiots fan I have a long held aversion to the Colts in general, and Manning in particular.  While I don't really feel one way or the other about the Saints, they are my team this weekend.

[Oldrig]

Being a Patiots fan I have a long held aversion to the Colts in general, and Manning in particular.  While I don't really feel one way or the other about the Saints, they are my team this weekend.

Another one, eh?

[CharlieJ]

Who? Game? Is there something going on?

Being out cruising, with no TV, I never realized anything was going on. Of course, since we LIVE the life instead of WATCHING the life, we really don't much care-grin

much nicer watching the sun set with pelicans flying across, than watch a TV. ;D

[Tim]

 ;D No TV here either, I am out in the shop shaping the daggerboard for the dinghy and make the knees. BUt I have to admit I have the radio on the game  so as I'll know whether all the those Southern boys on TSBB are going to be cryin' or yellin' later  ;D

[s/v Faith]

I have not idea what all the chatter is about here after the first post.

  I am standing aboard not only to pipe any visiting dignitaries (small boat type).....

BUT ALSO, to repel all boarders.

  There were a couple of surly Russian guys that tried to come aboard just a few minutes ago....

I sent them straight to Davie Jones Locker....

  All secure on the quarterdeck watch SIR!

[AdriftAtSea]

I'm pretty happy that the Saints won the Superbowl.  Didn't see much of the game, but was hoping that the Saints would win as I believe it is their first time at the big game... :)

[Tim]

I have not idea what all the chatter is about here after the first post.

 I am standing aboard not only to pipe any visiting dignitaries (small boat type).....

BUT ALSO, to repel all boarders.

 There were a couple of surly Russian guys that tried to come aboard just a few minutes ago....

I sent them straight to Davie Jones Locker....

 All secure on the quarterdeck watch SIR!

;D Just be glad you are not in New Orleans,  SIR

[s/v Faith]

;D Just be glad you are not in New Orleans,  SIR

I have been, since I left LA in 1987.

  Thanks.... but why do you say so>?

[skylark]

I have not idea what all the chatter is about here after the first post.

  I am standing aboard not only to pipe any visiting dignitaries (small boat type).....

BUT ALSO, to repel all boarders.

  There were a couple of surly Russian guys that tried to come aboard just a few minutes ago....

I sent them straight to Davie Jones Locker....

  All secure on the quarterdeck watch SIR!

Hey can somebody give CapnK a hand back on board, what are you doing swimming around down there?

[Tim]

I have not idea what all the chatter is about here after the first post.

  I am standing aboard not only to pipe any visiting dignitaries (small boat type).....

BUT ALSO, to repel all boarders.

  There were a couple of surly Russian guys that tried to come aboard just a few minutes ago....

I sent them straight to Davie Jones Locker....

  All secure on the quarterdeck watch SIR!

Hey can somebody give CapnK a hand back on board, what are you doing swimming around down there?

And here I thought they were spammers

[s/v Faith]

I have not idea what all the chatter is about here after the first post.

  I am standing aboard not only to pipe any visiting dignitaries (small boat type).....

BUT ALSO, to repel all boarders.

  There were a couple of surly Russian guys that tried to come aboard just a few minutes ago....

I sent them straight to Davie Jones Locker....

  All secure on the quarterdeck watch SIR!

Hey can somebody give CapnK a hand back on board, what are you doing swimming around down there?

I would never do that.  I would be guilty of mutiny and would be forced to walk the plank, or be hanged from the year arm.. (Rocks and Shoals).

  I would never do that... well there was this one time in band camp....

[tomwatt]

;D Just be glad you are not in New Orleans,  SIR

I have been, since I left LA in 1987.

  Thanks.... but why do you say so>?

LA... Lower Arkansas?
;D

[Oldrig]

That onside kick was absolutely BRILLIANT!

Laissez les bons temps rouler, baby! ;D

[CapnK]

Hey can somebody give CapnK a hand back on board, what are you doing swimming around down there?

Lookin' fer mermaids, of course!!!  ;D