To add to the list of women composers:
Sisters Unlimited have their wonderful Childbirth Shanty (No Bed of Roses) but it may be a little strong for the menfolk.
And Margaret Foxen co-wrote a song about one of Britain's greatest maritime heroes, John Darwin, who set off one day in his canoe from Seaton In Carew and absent-mindedly sailed all the way to Central America

Paddle Off To Panama