Early ropes and lines were made from yarn, which was spun by hand and later spliced or woven into larger sizes or used to repair existing ones. Leisurely, relaxing work, it required only the use of the hands, and sailors could sit around and tell stories or gossip as they did so ("Ropeyarn Sunday" comes from this, also). Tales, jokes, and anecdotes became known as "yarns" because of their origins from this activity.

Another tidbit of Naval lore.

MMCM(SS) Greg Peterman USN Retired

Thanks Master chief

I vaguely remember learning this while at mystic seaport, CT as a kid. They actually had a bunch of "old-time-sailors" (actors) spinning ropes and telling tales just as long. totally forgot about it until now.

Then again any seasoned sailor knows the difference between a fairy tail and a yarn(sea story). A fairy tail begins with "Once upon a time" and a sea story starts with " You aren't going to belive this *^%$"

...or one night while standing the midwatch....

Many strange things happen on a boat underway on midwatch. But I will never tell.

It doesn't have to be and underway mid watch. I liked the foreign port mid watch on the O brow, watching all the khakis come back from liberty. "Let the good times roll!"

I remember the days that we had RopeYarn on Thursday afternoons. But it purpose was the repair and upkeep of our uniforms. We all looked forward to the Thursday events. Ah the good old days.

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