Setting off on Friday?

[mestrezat]

My wife, the "Admiral" tells me that you should never cast off your lines and leave on a cruise on Friday. She says it is bad luck. Doesn't remember where she read it.
Any one have any idea if this is true or just a bit of boat lore? I'm guessing boat lore but figure some one may know why.

[DeepFrz]

Oh no, it's true. It's really, really true. Look at all the weekend sailors. They cast off on Friday but are doomed to having to return to work on Monday morning... Do you want that to happen to you?

[hellosailor]

Friday is named for Freya, wife of Frig, two of the Giants who gave birth to the Norse Gods. Not folks to be taunted, but IIRC Freya has no grudge against sailors and she'd probably bring you luck--as long as you remembered to make an offering to her before casting off on a Freya's Day. Disrespect her at your own risk.

[Fishspearit]

A wise man once said, 'It's bad luck to be superstitious'.

When I was in the Navy we seemed to always leave port on a Friday, and always returned on a Monday. But I think that was more to keep us from having a day off than anything else.

[Sunspot Baby]

Pure superstition but not completely impractical advice.

Seems there are lots of unexpected breakdowns of equipment early in the voyage. The shops and yards are not open on weekends.

Weekend waters are crowded with runabouts and PWC. When we are in inland waters, we frequently stay at anchor to avoid the hassle of dealing with and/or dodging the masses who don't know or ignore rules of the road and courtesy.

On the flip side. Get away from the dock and begin living the dream as soon as possible.

George

[sneuman]

my worst at-sea experience began with lines being cast off on a Friday, but then so, probably, did my best. Go figure.

[s/v 'Faith']

While I am not superstitious I do believe that some 'Sea lore' may well have origins in good practice.

Casting off on a Friday often means you have worked all week and are still in the 'rush mode', which may make you less safe. Maybe going to the boat, getting your gear stowed, having a cocktail and a good night's rest before getting underway are not such a bad idea....

... then again, when I am cruising all bets are off. We did plan our departure for a Saturday... but after the trip began the day of the week was often not even known, little alone kept track of.

[Chuck Baier]

We have departed so many times on Fridays i can't count and I can assure you we have some of the worst luck at times, no matter what day we leave.

[AVSkipper]

I can't think of a better way to enjoy a Friday than on a boat. Of course, that also applies to the other six.

[Latitude9.5]

I will NEVER cast off on Friday, but it's something that has been put into my head since I was a wee one. On long trips we usually cast off on Thursday even if it's late at night and we anchor a mile away.

"A Friday Sail will always Fail"