Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.

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

He who commands the sea has command of everything.

Of all objects that I have ever seen, there is none which affects my imagination so much as the sea or ocean. A troubled ocean, to a man who sails upon it, is, I think, the biggest object that he can see in motion, and consequently gives his imagination one of the highest kinds of pleasure that can arise from greatness.

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.

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

Many, many steeples would have to be stacked one on top of another to reach from the bottom to the surface of the sea. It is down there that the sea folk live.

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

Seafarers go to sleep in the evening not knowing whether they will find themselves at the bottom of the sea the next morning.

Never trust her at any time when the calm sea shows her false alluring smile.

He who travels by sea is nothing but a worm on a piece of wood, a trifle in the midst of a powerful creation. The waters play about with him at will, and no one but God can help him.

Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board.

I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm’s way.