A Seaman's beard.

Al die ter zee gaan zullen baarden draagen.

All those who go to sea should wear beards, as the old Dutch Ryme goes. Naturally this was before the time when it became popular for women to spend any time out in the big Blue. I am not sure how popular sailing would be other wise.

But why is it that sailors wear beards? Is it because they feel the need to project a rugged look? Do they not have the time to shave? Are they trying to preserve water? Do they enjoy the reminder of last week's dinner? Is it that they want to hide their face when they enter port, and engage in illustrious behavior? Are they not bothered to shave, as they dont't meet new people on the boat? Do they feel the need to hide their facial expression of homesickness, as they spend time away from their wives and children? All of these reasons have been used to explain the beards on the sailors. However, none of them touch the real reason of the beard.

I will let you in on a little secret. Sailors simply prefer not to shave because they have a sensitive skin. Their skin is continuously bombarded by salty spray, relentless UV rays, and salty water. Shaving every day would compound to the insult to the skin, and turn the sensitive sailor's skin raw and red. There are only two explanations for any beardless man on a boat out there. The first explanation is that they simply do not perform their duties well, and do not spend enough outdoor time scrubbing the deck. The second explanation, is that their boat is to comfortable, and they are shielded from the abrasive effects of salt and sun.