If so, I think Odysseus would be highly approving! "A practical man was he!"
All those who go down to the sea learn that the sea is a real revolving b**** (rhymes with witch) and safety is not to be ignored at any time! Did a cruise liner trip several years back and was shocked at how some passengers had to be chased down to take part in the lifeboat drill! Later in the trip across the North Atlantic, we hit a squall and I had my small balcony well decorated with flotsam, including plastic debris.
Thank you for your service in the USN.
Now if you had done any time on the USS Eagle (Coast Guard Bark) or USS Constitution (Frigate), you would have been more likely to recognize that 'Top-gallant' designation. Sailing is a great experience to learn the sea and its quirks. I presume it is one (of many) reasons that Annapolis drills its Middies on small sail boats, to give that touch of life, even in those sheltered waters of the Chesapeake estuary.
I DID spend a brief time on the USS Constitution! About an hour...with the wife (at the exhibit in Boston). We even sprung for one of the American flags offered for sale by a couple of Sailors and Marines. A Marine Sergeant instructed my wife as to how to raise the flag up the mast...which she proceeded to do as I videoed. After lowering the flag, the Sergeant crisply folded it into the traditional tri-corner shape, as the wife held the other end.
I know that boat has been rebuilt from stem to stern, from the tip of the mast to, probably, below the waterline, but that tickled me to board her.
Plus, an American flag that has flown from Old Ironsides currently resides on our fireplace mantle!