WHY A SHIP IS A SHE?

[proud_ionian]

A SHIP IS A 'SHE' BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS A GREAT DEAL OF BUSTLE AROUND HER; THERE IS USUALLY A GANG OF MEN ABOUT, SHE HAS A WAIST AND STAYS; IT TAKES A LOT OF PAINT TO KEEP HER GOOD LOOKING; IT IS NOT THE INITIAL EXPENSE THAT BREAKS YOU, IT IS THE UPKEEP; SHE CAN BE ALL DECKED OUT; IT TAKES AN EXPERIENCED MAN TO HANDLE HER CORRECTLY; AND WITHOUT A MAN AT THE HELM, SHE IS ABSOLUTELY UNCONTROLLABLE. SHE SHOWS HER TOPSIDES, HIDES HER BOTTOM AND WHEN COMING INTO PORT, ALWAYS HEADS FOR THE BUOYS.