Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 21:09:31 -0600

From: Dan Goodman dsg[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]MAROON.TC.UMN.EDU

Subject: why are ships referred to as she (fwd)



---------- Forwarded message ----------

Date: Mon, 29 Jan 1996 11:41:31 -0500 (EST)

From: SEO connect bveatch[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]winslo.ohio.gov

To: stumpers-list[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]CRF.CUIS.EDU

Subject: why are ships referred to as she





One of our area libraries directed this question to us which we have not been

very successful in answering. Apparently a class has been given the

assignment of finding out why ships and boats are referred to as SHE.

We have looked in all sorts of ship and sea lore books but all we can find

is, yes they are referred to as SHE. Any information and sources as to why

sailing vessels are spoken of in the female gender would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!