Sea shanties (from the French “chanter” – to sing) are sailors work songs that were sung to keep up the spirits and morale of the crew as well as to provide a beat for heavy, repetitive tasks requiring synchronised movements.

It’s probably fair to assume that most of the workforce onboard a typical 19th century merchant vessel were not gifted singers, and nor do you need to be to step up onto the big shanty ship. These are simple songs with a strong melody, often in a call-and-response style, making them a perfect way for the vocally talented and tone-deaf alike to experience the joy of singing (or shouting!) together in a group. A little bit of gumption and good humour are all that’s required!

Whether on land or at sea, let’s dress up, have a swig o’ rum (for a bit of Dutch courage), belt our hearts out and let Cpt. McKraken send you into the evening with a memento portrait of you and your crew.