Origin of the term "Bow Ornament"?

YachtForums · 12-12-2009, 07:33 AM

While writing the review on Christensen's Odessa, I drifted into some fiction on the term "Bow Ornament". Googled the term. Wiki'd it. Not finding much. Could be a Wiki moment in the making? Can we get some YF wisdom on this?

Here's what I wrote, along with the image I was composing text for...

Quote:

Yacht Trivia: Do you know where the term "bow ornament" was derived from? Originally, it was the figurehead found on tall ships, but it's also a reference to the ship's bell. In the early 1900's, women were referred to as belles, i.e. the "Belle of the Ball". Later, someone associated a ship's bell with a woman on the bow of a boat and thus the term 'Bow Ornament' was born. (I made all of that up. Whatta ya think, a Wiki moment?)

CaptTom · 12-12-2009, 04:51 PM

That's a lovely photo of the bell, but I'd rather have this belle on the bow of my boat. Wiki all you want, a picture says a thousand words.

YachtForums · 12-12-2009, 05:15 PM

So now we have a bell, a bow ornament, and finally... Odessa's Belle posing for a pic during our tour, YF's Dawn Hagan. Love that stylish, surgical foot wear...

CaptTom · 12-12-2009, 05:19 PM

Wow, she can ring my bell. Oops, sorry Bro.
But those booties are such a turn on...

YES! · 12-12-2009, 05:32 PM

Figureheads originally evolved from the large "occuli" (eyes) painted on Arab dhows. The Europeans picked up the concept of having eyes looking forward to protect the ship and included all kinds of animals as long as there were eyes looking forward. Based on the proclivities of sailors ashore combined with the ever-seeing eyes, buxom beauties under the bowsprit became the decor of choice for mariners around the world.

Now, Tom, since this is forum that enjoys the details of the various yachts whose pictures grace Carl's fine site, can you confirm or deny that the "belle" you posted is the bow ornament on a late model 155 foot Christensen?

CaptTom · 12-12-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YES!

Now, Tom, since this is forum that enjoys the details of the various yachts whose pictures grace Carl's fine site, can you confirm or deny that the "belle" you posted is the bow ornament on a late model 155 foot Christensen?

Stan, there's a boat in that photo?!?

YES! · 12-12-2009, 05:49 PM

I just couldn't see the "eyes" to protect the ship...........

CaptTom · 12-12-2009, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YES!

I just couldn't see the "eyes" to protect the ship...........

They are there, just look up.

Yacht News · 12-12-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptTom

That's a lovely photo of the bell, but I'd rather have this belle on the bow of my boat. Wiki all you want, a picture says a thousand words.

That belle is certainly a shining beacon for the prow. That bow remote controlled searchlight can't match her candlepower!

CaptTom · 12-12-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YachtNews

That belle is certainly a shining beacon for the prow. That bow remote controlled searchlight can't match her candlepower!

Right you are, Ron.
I was going to mention her beam-to-length ratio and pronounced tumblehome that runs all the way to her transom, but I had better not.
Hey, I'm talking about the boat.

Yacht News · 12-12-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptTom

Right you are, Ron.
I was going to mention her beam-to-length ratio and pronounced tumblehome that runs all the way to her transom, but I had better not.
Hey, I'm talking about the boat.

Certainly enphasis on beam. I am sure she is pretty spacious on the interior! She doesn't look a late model though, either that,or her owners kept her very well, what a bow ornament.

CaptTom · 12-12-2009, 06:21 PM

What a way to derail a thread...

Yacht News · 12-12-2009, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptTom

What a way to derail a thread...

Tommy boy you seem to have some guilt!, the thread wasn't derailed? We are talking about the boats right?

Bow ornaments...

CaptTom · 12-12-2009, 06:32 PM

Now that you put it that way.
And I'm sure Carl doesn't mind it. In fact, I think he egged us on with his photo.
Can't wait until he starts a thread about engine rooms. VROOM, VROOM!