Rum in seafaring

Rum is closely linked to seafaring.

As early as the 17th and 18th centuries, when buccaneers and co were up to mischief in the Caribbean, you could treat yourself to a sip of rum. However, rum really got going with the Royal Navy. When the Royal Navy conquered Jamaica in 1655, the sailors were so enthralled with the sugar cane liquor that they drank too much and, in a frenzy, were willing to give anything and mess with the devil. That's why they called the schnapps "kill devils".

Admiral Pen, of the Royal Navy, recognized the effect of rum and had the kegs of beer replaced with rum on his ships. In addition to the encouraging effect of rum, rum had another advantage. On the long sea voyages, the drinking water in the wooden casks often (very often in warm regions) went bad. However, the crew did not fall ill, which has been attributed to the rum. For this reason it was decided to serve rum at sea throughout the Royal Navy. However, the rum was diluted because it was too strong and drunken sailors are a danger at sea.

There is an entertaining but also markable story in this connection with Admiral Nelson. Supposedly after his death in the Battle of Trafalgar he was placed in a coffin (some say cask) full of rum to "preserve" him

No rum has been served to soldiers in the Royal Navy since the 1970s.

On private boats, of course, things are different. Here, rum belongs in every on-board bar, for example to toast the day after a successful mooring or anchor maneuver. (You want to read more about maneuver swallowing, then click here: Link)

And just for these moments there is JJ's maneuver swallow.