Famous patron saints and protectors of sailors, boaters and mariners

For sailors and mariners, life at sea was typically fraught with danger and it’s no wonder that they have so many patron saints and guardians around the world. So, how many of them do you know?

Published by Yachting.com - 08/20/2023

Who do sailors and fishermen around the world pray to for their safe return? Who protects us at sea and to whom do we entrust our fate during our voyage? You may be familiar with the European patron saints of seafarers, but have you ever heard of the seductive Mami Wata? Let's take a closer look at those who keep us safe when we're out on the water.

Patron saints of sailors

Saint Brendan

One of the best known patron saints is Saint Brendan (in Irish Gaelic Bréanainn), also known as "The Voyager". Originally an Irish priest and one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland who, according to legend, discovered America ten centuries before Christopher Columbus himself. Reports of his expeditions would take the breath away of even the most hardened adventurers. He apparently discovered the Promised Land of the Saints, where he arrived after a 7-year voyage of adventure. So, it is really no surprise that he ended up becoming the patron saint of boatmen, mariners and sailors.

One of the best known patrons is Saint Brendan

Saint Nicholas

Sailing the seas frequently, God himself protected him from danger. Saint Nicholas even turned the pirates who attacked him into believers. According to one legend, during a terrible storm at sea, he saved his sailors through prayer. And according to another, he plugged a hole in the hull of the boat with carp and resurrected a sailor who had fallen from the highest mast.

St. Nicholas is not only a kind saint who gives sweets and gifts to children, but also has the savageness of Poseidon within him. When he gets angry, he is said to unleash storms and hurricanes, making him master of the elements for both good and evil. In Bulgaria, for example, fishermen and sailors prefer to be ashore on Saint Nicholas Day (Nikulden in Bulgaria). But if this isn’t possible, to ensure safety, it is recommended to anchor and not sail at all during the day. Every fishing family in Bulgaria has an image of St. Nicholas with a candle in front, which should burn whenever a fisherman is at sea.

Saint Nicholas

YACHTING.COM TIP: And why does Nicholas (Santa Claus in the Anglo-Saxon world) hand out gifts? According to legend, in Nicholas’ hometown, an impoverished nobleman wanted to sell his three daughters because he had no money for a dowry. So in the dark of the night, Nicholas threw them a purse full of gold so they could get married. One version says that the purse fell into a stocking that was hung out to dry. Legends then merged with the Nordic tradition, spawning Santa Claus, who arrives on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Nicholas is called various names in different countries: Nicolas, Nikolaj, Niklas, Klaus, Claus, Klaes, Claes, Nils. If you're looking for the perfect present this year, check out our 57 Christmas gift ideas for sailors.

Saint John of Nepomuk

St. John of Nepomuk was the patron saint of Bohemia (Czech Republic), but above all the protector against floods and drowning. Many a raftsman, who navigated the untamed Vltava, had faith in his protection long before the Vltava cascade was constructed.

YACHTING.COM TIP: The St. John's rapids were the most dangerous place on the Vltava River. Created by the deep rocky valley, the currents made it almost impossible to control long rafts. Many captains had to paddle hard in the opposite direction to stop them from smashing against the rocks.

St. John of Nepomuk

Saint Clement

Originally a pope, but was later imprisoned in Crimea where, legend has it, he miraculously released a gushing stream of water with his pickaxe, leading to the conversions of large numbers to the faith. As punishment for this, he was tied with an anchor around his neck and thrown into the Black Sea. The anchor became his symbol, a symbol of hope, and he became a patron saint of mariners and a guardian in gales and storms (which really comes in handy at sea).

Svatý Kliment

Saint Christina

Saint Christina, from Tuscia in Italy, is one of the few female patron saints of mariners and sailors. This martyr is often displayed with a boat which originates from her attempted execution in Lake Bolsen, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. She was to drown tied to a basalt slab but somehow miraculously survived. This undoubtedly gives her the right prerequisites to protect those at sea.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Do you enjoy journeying into the history of sailing? Check out our articles on the mysterious customs and superstitions at sea or about traditional sailor tattoos and their meanings.

Rulers of all the seas (to protect you outside Europe)

Although in Europe, it's almost exclusively men who protect us on the seas, the opposite is true in the rest of the world. While cruising the seas around Africa, Asia and South America, it is females who watch over us. They are, of course, much more exotic than their European counterparts and often associated with or identified as mermaids.

Mami Wata — the water spirit

This goddess and protector is mainly worshipped in Africa and parts of the Caribbean. Mami Wata is usually portrayed as a seductive woman with divine beauty. She has bright eyes, unnaturally long hair and unusually fair skin. Her hair is depicted in many ways — wavy or curly, black or blonde, loose or even combed back. Those who worship her can bring happiness and protection upon them, but she can cause terrible misfortune to those who anger her.

YACHTING.COM TIP: In many parts of West and Central Africa, "Mami Wata" also serves as a slang term for an exceptional and beautiful woman.

In ancient texts, Mami Wata appears as a mermaid. Her upper body is female and, of course, naked, with the lower part being that of a fish or even a snake. As a symbol of evil, a snake is often portrayed together with this exotic goddess.

Mami Wata at a museum exhibition, Philadelphia

Yemaya — the ruler of the oceans

The beautiful Yemaya is always depicted in blue and white, often with pearls and shells. And to represent the seven seas, she wears a dress with seven skirts. She is also referred to as “mother whose children are the fish”, and because life began in the oceans, Yamaya is considered the mother of all life and a symbol of birth.

This also makes her a protector of boats, ensuring their safe navigation and bringing fish to the fishermen. However, when she gets angry, she can be wild and destructive, just like a storm in the sea, manifesting in huge tidal waves.

Yemaya, ruler of the oceans

According to one legend, her and Mami Wata are the same person — arriving to America with African slaves, she acquired a new name and began to write a new story. In some legends she is a mermaid and is often somehow connected with mermaids. Her legend is most popular in Brazil.

Tin Hau — the goddess of the sea

This goddess of the sea, also known as Mazu, is mostly known in China and Hong Kong. Sailors and fisherman alike pray to her for protection at the many shrines dedicated to her. Everybody who has experienced an accident at sea or survived rough conditions comes to thank her, where they light incense sticks and bring gifts and sacrifices — most often baked pork, vegetables and fruits.

But, how did Tin Hau become a protector at sea? According to legend, this girl lived in the 10th century and was able to predict storms. Unfortunately, she died trying to rescue her brother and father at sea and forever after, her spirit was reportedly observed on ships sinking or in danger.

Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea

These are just a few of the patron saints and protectors we have. Others include St. Christopher (one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers), the Archangel Michael himself, the Blessed Petr González Telmo (St. Elmo), Saint Erasmus, Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Andrew.

Until now, you might have only relied on the ancient Greek god of the seas, Neptune (Poseidon or Njörd in the north) at sea. After today, pause for thought and make a toast to all the other saints and helpers.

So where are you going next year, with all this extra support? We have enough boats to cover all corners of the globe!

Boats available all over the world