Paper short abstract:

Storm stories are the heart of the genre of sea-going narratives. This paper examines the storm stories of women; more often stories of communion with, rather than conquest of, the sea. Their view of the shore from the sea offers new imaginaries to counter the forces threatening the ocean.

Paper long abstract:

The Sea has always been the domain of men. Until the 20th century, women longing to go to sea had to “pass” as men and run the risk of discovery. Their stories fueled a new generation of sailing women. Today, although a minority within the community of circumnavigating sailors, women often use their sea-going experiences to draw attention to the ocean; tracking endangered species, taking water samples, and documenting threatened island cultures. These experiences contribute to a body of narratives shared across the water. Storm stories are the heart of the genre of sea-going narratives. While successfully navigating “the sea monster” is an important rite of passage, it is the story that solidifies one’s identity as a sailor. This paper examines the storm stories of women and how they shape identity and create connections with the planet. These are narratives of confidence, competence, and growth. They are empowering stories about facing the elements and overcoming one’s fears. Yet, they more often reflect a sense of communion with, rather than a conquest of, the sea, thus affirming an ancient connection women have with water. The telling of the story is its own rite of passage, reflecting a liminal moment that allows us to re-imagine who we are. The story becomes the vehicle for viewing the shore from the sea and transforming our perspective of the planet. In this way, they might differ from the stories of men and offer new imaginaries to counter the forces threatening the ocean.