Person overboard?
Jillstay?
Personrope knot?
Personacles?
Jolly Jill Tar?

What we have to remember is that these terms came into use when ONLY men did these jobs and so the distinction between Man (the species) and man (adult male member(no smutty grins, please) thereof) was irrelevant - as well as beyond the intellectual capacity of many of them. If we're going deliberately to change our language to accommodate every change in society......   well, I'm lost for words.

AND another thing, while I'm at it. Increasingly women are going to sea, which, as we know is traditionally a male-dominated world. Some of them have done bloody well. I haven't come across any female yacht skippers yet (Yachtmaster doesn't look like being replaced by yachtmistress!) but Clare (?Claire) Francis, Naomi James and Ellen McArthur are pretty well known. Here, as elsewhere in human endeavour, what is important is that we ALL have the chance to be good at it and develop out skills to the best of our ability. Sex is irrelevant.

Until it comes to heaving up the anchor. (ducks swiftly)

Steve




any more?