Why is a ship called a 'she'?

*snagged this off an artwork in Suchan Restaurant. Thought you'd like it.


A ship is called a 'she' because there is always a great deal of bustle around her, there is usually a gang of men about, she has a waist and stays, it takes a lot of paint to keep her good looking. It is not the initial expense that breaks you, it is the upkeep; she can be all decked out, it takes an experienced man to handle her correctly and without a man at the helm, she is absolutely uncontrollable. She shows her topside, hides her bottom, and when coming into the port, always heads for the buoys.

  ¶ 23:52