Sailing quotations, with their sources.

[T]he sea has never been friendly to man. At most it has been the accomplice of human restlessness, and playing the part of dangerous abettor of world-wide ambitions.

Joseph Conrad · The Mirror of the Sea

Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolute nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.

Water Rat · The Wind in the Willows

Then leaving the Cape Verde Islands out of sight astern, I found myself once more sailing a lonely sea and in a solitude supreme all around.

Joshua Slocum · Sailing Alone Around the World

To young men contemplating a voyage I would say go.

Joshua Slocum · Sailing Alone Around the World

Water, water, every where, / Nor any drop to drink.

The Ancient Mariner · The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; … then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can.

Ishmael · Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

Yes, as every one knows, meditation and water are wedded for ever.

Ishmael · Moby-Dick; or, The Whale