Superstition and the modern mariner

There are many superstitions that govern a mariner's life. Many of these were born long ago, before science could provide a logical explanation for a turn of events. If something is used to explain a bewildering circumstance or occurrence long enough, no matter how outlandish the explanation, it becomes superstition.
<h2>Lady in the water</h2>
The most common superstition dealing with mariners, boaters, and yachtsman alike concerns women, as it is considered unlucky to have a woman on-board the vessel. In early sailing history it was believed that women could not perform on a ship as a man could. It was also believed, not unfairly, that a woman or women would cause a great distraction for the men on-board, possibly causing their work to suffer.

There is a flip side to this; a <i>naked</i> woman is believed to calm the seas. This explains why many vessels of old would have a picture painted on the bow of lady exposing her breasts. In some cases a carved figurehead of a bare breasted lady was displayed prominently on the bow.
<h2>Your days are numbered</h2>
Friday's appear to be an extremely unlucky day for sailors. According to superstition, a sailor should never start a voyage on Friday because some type of problem or emergency will inevitably pose itself on the voyage. It is believed that this superstition exists because of Jesus being crucified on Friday. In contrast, it was believed that starting a journey on a Sunday would bring blessings and good luck, hence the phrase, "Sunday sail, never fail". This phrase most likely sprang from the belief that Jesus rose from the grave on a Sunday. Whatever the reason, many modern seafarer's will still avoid starting a voyage on Friday at all costs.
<h2>Fear the reaper</h2>
Anything that conjures up the image of death is considered unlucky at sea. Priests or preachers are considered very bad luck to have on-board, as they assist in funeral rights, and are most often robed in black. The same goes for flowers, as they are commonly used to construct funeral wreaths. Black clothing or travel bags are also considered unlucky, as black is believed to signify death and the depths of the sea.
<h2>Happy days are here again</h2>
Not all superstitions revolve around ill luck though.. My favorite revolves around an ancient belief that tells yachtsman that if they mortise a stolen piece of wood into the hull of their yacht it will travel faster. It is also favorable to pour wine on the deck of your yacht; an offering to the god's.

For a successful voyage one should place a silver coin under the mast-head of his yacht or vessel. Seeing dolphins swimming near your yacht is considered a good sign. It is believed by sailors that the dolphins have the good fortune of man in mind and their presence indicates they are offering their protection.

Seeing a swallow while on your voyage is a good sign as well. A swallow being a bird of land signifies that land is nearby and your prospects are clear. However, if you kill a gull at sea it is considered bad luck since the gull holds the souls of deceases mariner's.

These are only a few of the myths and superstition's that comprise the code of sailor's and yachtsman alike. Some of these, if not all, can be dispelled as purely hypothetical superstition but most sailors of old, wanting to avoid Davy Jones locker, believed these myths as fact.