This superstition was only on Warships, not Merchantmen. Women were routinely passengers on Merchantmen, and Wives of Merchant Ship Captains often lived onboard
during long voyages. Especially Whalers, whose voyages often lasted one to five years.
Good information. I was wondering why that was never mentioned. Interestingly, though, I've read that quite a few women accompanied men on warships during the Napoleonic wars.
shareWhen British ships were in port,the enlisted men lived on board, and routinely
kept their "Wives and Sweethearts" with them. When ordered to return to the blockade of the French ports, efforts were made to remove the women from the ships. The crews were often able to circumvent these efforts.:)