Poets, adventurers and sailors alike have captured the immense power found at sea through their words. Here, we highlight the quotations that inspire us at Gray Harbor Historical Seaport every day.

“There is no better tool or equipment you can have on board than a well-trained crew.” – Larry Pardey

Cruiser Larry Pardey lived at sea with his wife, Lin. Without GPS or engines, the couple completed two circumnavigations on sailing ships he built. They launched their first circumnavigation in 1968, spending 11 years traveling by sea. The second voyage, begun in 1984, consisted of 25 years of traveling.

“To desire nothing beyond what you have is surely happiness. Aboard a boat, it is frequently possible to achieve just that.
That is why sailing is a way of life, one of the finest of lives.” – Carleton Mitchell

Cruiser Carleton Mitchell won three Newport Bermuda Races in 1956, 1958 and 1960. He often referred to his boat, Finisterre, as “the fat little monster.” A writer and photographer, Mitchell wrote articles for National Geographic and Sports Illustrated about sailing.

“It’s remarkable how quickly a good and favorable wind can sweep
away the maddening frustrations of shore living.” – Ernest K. Gann

Gann thrived whenever he flew or sailed. A pilot during World War II, he used his aviation experience to write books. Later, he’d pen tales about his sea adventures in books such as Twilight for the Gods and Soldier of Fortune.

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made,
for somewhere deep in their oaken hearts the soul of a song is laid.” – Robert N. Rose

This beautiful quotation comes from the poem “Ships” by Robert N Rose. Simple in structure but lush with descriptive words, it romanticizes the beauty of ships. Rose likens the nails, wood and canvas to a nymph, lover and siren.

“On a day when the wind is perfect, the sail just needs to open and the world is full of beauty.” – Rumi

Rumi has left an incredible impact on the world. The Persian poet and Sufi master, born in 1207, devoted his life to writing and worship. He wrote poems with simple yet vivid imagery and direct addresses to his readers.

“I wanted freedom, open air, adventure. I found it on the sea.” – Alain Gerbault

Which of us hasn’t imagined our own version of freedom? Alain Gerbault was a French sailor and writer who made a circumnavigation as a single-handed sailor. His gaff sloop, Firecrest, spent 700 days at sea and covered more than 40,000 miles.

“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Yves Cousteau

Cousteau brought the wonder of the sea to the world. With engineer Emile Gagnan, Cousteau developed the first scuba apparatus in 1942. His boat Calypso allowed him to dive and conduct scientific research, strengthening his belief in protecting the ocean.

“If you are going to do something, do it now. Tomorrow is too late.” – Pete Goss

At Gray Harbor Historical Seaport, we love these words spoken by British yachtsman Pete Goss. Goss has sailed more than 250,000 nautical miles and knows the importance of understanding and exploring the sea.

Our programs explore maritime history through engaging and varied activities. Our historic sailing ship, Lady Washington, lets you discover adventures beyond your imagination. So seize the day. Contact us today, as tomorrow is too late.