“Fair Winds and Following Seas” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Have you listened to a conversation and heard someone say the term ‘fair winds and following seas.’? If you have, you may have wondered what the phrase means. We are going to look into the meaning of the saying, where it came from, and how we can use it in our conversations.

“Fair Winds and Following Seas” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “fair winds and following seas” is a nautical expression that conveys wishes for good fortune and safety to sailors. It implies that a sailor may have favorable winds (fair winds) to propel them forward and calm seas (following seas) to make for a smooth journey. In a broader context, it is often used to wish someone well as they embark on a new journey or phase in life, symbolizing hope for a smooth and successful experience.
Fair Winds and Following Seas
Fair Winds and Following Seas – Created by 7ESL

“Fair Winds and Following Seas” Meaning

The phrase “fair winds and following seas” is a nautical blessing or farewell that expresses a wish for good luck and safe travels to someone embarking on a journey, particularly by sea. It conveys the hope for favorable conditions—meaning a gentle breeze that aids in sailing and smooth seas that make for an easy passage.

Examples:

  • “As you head off on your sailing trip, I wish you fair winds and following seas!”
  • “On her retirement, her colleagues sent her off with a card that said, ‘Fair winds and following seas as you start this new chapter in your life.’ “

Origin of this Idiomatic Expression

This term, like many idioms in the English language originally derived from sailors. Fair winds would aid the sail on a ship and following seas is a term that describes a sea current that is going the same way as the ship, making for smooth sailing. These terms coupled together would mean an easy journey. Therefore wishing someone ‘fair winds and following seas’ would indicate that you wish them to have safe travels.

Usage of “Fair Winds and Following Seas”

  • At a farewell gathering:

“As the team said goodbye to their departing colleague, they raised their glasses and wished him fair winds and following seas in his new job.”

  • In a nautical context:

“The captain addressed the crew before departure, reminding them to always strive for fair winds and following seas.”

  • In a message or card:

“Wishing you fair winds and following seas as you embark on your journey around the world.”

  • During a retirement celebration:

“As she retired from her long career, her coworkers expressed their gratitude and said, ‘May you have fair winds and following seas in whatever you choose to do next.'”

Related Terms to “Fair Winds and Following Seas”

  • Safe travels – a common farewell wishing someone a safe journey.
  • Bon voyage – a French term meaning “good journey,” used to wish someone well on their travels.
  • Smooth sailing – a phrase used to express the hope for an easy and trouble-free experience.
  • Godspeed – an expression used to wish someone success and safety on their journey.
  • Best wishes – a general expression of goodwill and positive sentiment towards someone embarking on a new venture.
  • Happy trails – a friendly farewell wishing someone well on their journey, often used in a casual context.
  • Good luck – a common phrase to wish someone success in their endeavors.
  • Journey mercies – a phrase often used in religious contexts to wish someone safe travels.
  • Clear skies – an expression wishing for good weather during a journey.
  • Adieu – a French term meaning “farewell,” often used when parting ways.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are many other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘fair winds and following seas.’

Here are some examples of things you can say.

  • Safe travels
  • Best of luck
  • Farewell, God speed

“Fair Winds and Following Seas” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement made when bidding someone farewell at an airport.

  • ‘I will see you when you return, fair winds and following seas.’

Here is a statement made by someone wishing someone well in a new venture.

  • ‘I’m sure you will do great at your new job, fair winds and following seas.’

Conversation Examples

Here are some examples of how the term ‘fair winds and following seas’ might fit into a conversation. The first conversation example shows a person saying goodbye to someone who is leaving on a long trip.

  • Person 1: “I am leaving for Australia tomorrow, it’s going to be a long flight.”
  • Person 2: “Fair winds and following seas, and have a wonderful time.”

This second example conversation shows two people discussing a trip which must go well.

  • Person 1: “I am very nervous about taking this trip with Linda, it’s essential that we get along.”
  • Person 2: “I’m sure you will.”
  • Person 1: “I hope so, three weeks is a long time to spend with one person.”
  • Person 2: “Fair winds and following seas.”
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