The jargon of sailors is original and interesting. Why is it customary to say just like that, why does the ship go rather than sail? There are several versions of the answer to this question at once, and each of them is worth considering.
Prejudice? But are they only?
Someone will say that such a formulation is connected with respect for the water element, which has been deified from time immemorial, which people were frankly afraid of. Out of respect for the sea and its deities, and perhaps, in order to reassure themselves and comfort those close to them, it was customary to say "went to sea". He didn’t swim away, risking drowning, but he left, as if on the ground. So, an early return will be guaranteed.
Perhaps it is even a matter of respect for the ship itself. It is worth remembering that in English the ship is an animate object, the only actual exception of its kind. And all because the British are recognized mariners who, due to the power of their fleet, were able to colonize half the world. A log or some garbage can swim, a small fish in the abyss, and a ship that becomes a home for sailors for years to come, which has its own soul and special character for them, can only go. But prejudice is one thing, and as for the course of the ship, there is another, quite logical, even technical explanation.
Sailors also say that swimming means moving in the water column. And to go means to move along its surface.From here comes the logical formulation that the ship is sailing. Based on this interpretation, to say that the ship is sailing is at least a bad sign.
Another version says that swimming means moving around the water uncontrollably, as various garbage does. Branches and logs are floating. But steamboats and ships - go: abroad, against the wind or along it, in any direction, but with a clearly defined purpose.
Returning to the English traditions, which really laid a lot in the navigation issues around the world, it is worth noting that there is the concept of “to go to sea”, that is, literally, “go to sea”, “go by sea”, but nothing don't swim. English and other foreign borrowings in the maritime industry - this is the actual norm, this should not be surprised. So a similar wording could have an English origin.
Interesting fact: also the vessel may lie. It can lie one way or another tack, but not sail.
Propeller and ship
The history of using the sail to provide the ship with a long course is great - but even here the word "turn" is traced. Further, the propeller piece replaced the piece of matter dependent on the winds, for which the word move became especially relevant. Measuring the speed indicators of the ship, we noted how much it can go in one full turn of the screw. And in the same period the teams “low speed”, “full speed” were born, determining the speed with which the ship should move. The ship goes because it moves at the expense of the means that give it a turn. The ship is sailing, propeller, engine. This is quite natural.
How to: walk or swim?
But are the sailors right when they say that the ship is sailing, regarding the rules of the Russian language? In fact, this concept remains relevant only for sea jargon, which even sea wolves themselves do not always particularly want to use on the shore. Adhering to the rules and norms of the Russian language, it can be noted that walking is movement by feet on land, and swimming is movement on water or in its thickness, in any cases and without exception. Everything that can stay on the water or in its thickness floats by definition - these are the language norms.
As a result, we can say that according to the laws of the Russian language, any ship, ship, boat - floats. But according to sea jargon, again, any ship, any ship or boat - go. However, the official marine language still does not support such liberties, and according to its standards, the ship also floats. This is where the terms come from, such as a sea captain, floating admiral, and much more. And even seeing off the sailors, they wish them a happy sailing, and not walking or camping.
Jargon is a complex phenomenon that is characteristic of its environment and relevant to the environment in which it appeared. Sea jargon has its own deep traditions, sometimes the roots of certain phrases and words can be difficult to find. The same can be said about the phrase "the ship goes": there are many versions that explain the origin of this formulation. Today one can only guess which one is true. Perhaps their influence turned out to be complex, which formed such judgments in the marine environment.But be that as it may, that's what they say now, and they will probably say so in the future.
