Reviewed and Updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
Life is never about reaching the goal. It’s all about the journey – an endless, adventurous journey. Sail through with some spectacular sailboat tattoo designs.
Tattoos are often a physical representation of the wearer’s spiritual journey, and so a sailboat tattoo can symbolize the exploration of life through adventure and new beginnings.
As you begin a new chapter in your life – embarking on a new journey, nothing can be more motivating than a sailboat tattoo – something that will encourage you to keep going no matter how bad the wind or sea gets – storms are coming for you to devour. Because after the storm there is always a new beginning.
The ship was a symbol of travel and exploration long before the first voyages to unknown lands by Columbus, Magellan and others. From the first boats to navigate the Nile to the Viking ships that circumnavigated the globe, from Columbus to Cook, it has been a universal symbol. Sailboat tattoos are closely related to this history.
When we think of sailboats, the first thing that comes to mind is air. It can be compared to the “flow” of life. And since a sailboat is primarily carried by the wind. So it can be metaphorical for “life’s journey that goes with the flow”. Sailing is symbolic of a spiritual journey, and the sea storms symbolize the challenges that come without warning. But do you just give up when the course is full of jerks and jerks? no You sail on – you hold on to the last of your strength. A sailboat embodies life on the ocean, the spirit of adventure, freedom of movement, immense desire to wander and a constant reminder of one’s purpose in life.
Nautical tattoos are very popular among seafarers. While it is traditionally worn by men, nowadays women also sport ship tattoos gracefully. Sailboat tattoos can be paired with a variety of symbols and elements such as anchors, compasses, stars, pirates, ship wheels, swords, etc.
Hopefully this snippet made up of some surprising boat tattoo designs will help you start your journey.
Traditional sailing boat tattoo fueled by wanderlust
Do you want to highlight your blossoming, insatiable desire for maritime travel and adventure? This sailing boat tattoo with a fully bloomed rose at the end is full of symbolism. Your love of traveling to distant seas can be perfectly expressed here. This black-colored sailing ship on the raging waves symbolizes a boat that is already in the middle of the sea – it is on the way to an adventure. Though the chances of a storm creating an obstacle and causing damage are always there, the brave heart that wears this boat tattoo is determined to walk the road that leads to new adventures and treks. Here the rose symbolizes the adventure of life in full bloom.
Linework sailboat ankle tattoo
Sailboats suggest a search for undiscovered land – a desire to explore the mysteries of life.
The list of ship tattoo designs is somehow incomplete without a minimalist sailing boat tattoo. A sailboat floating on the waves with the curves of the waves forming a full circle around the anklet is a beautiful ship tattoo design for the admirers of minimalist art and for people who love to explore. It’s subtly decorative without being too flashy or crowded. The lines are finely executed. It can also be tattooed on the wrist.
Dark crescent and allegorical sailing boat tattoo
Sailboat tattoos often tell the story of escaping to a distant and remote place, or returning home after a long and arduous journey. The Greek epic Odysseus, also known as Ulysses in Latin, sailed to his native Ithaca after the end of the Trojan War. But he had to face one dangerous obstacle after another, and it was ten long years before he finally reached home. A sailboat tattoo depicting the voyage of Odysseus has a very crucial symbolism. The dark crescent moon bears a bad omen. It represents the threat of all the dark supernatural beings that hinder Ulysses’ journey. It tells you that no matter what obstacle you encounter, you will never give up on achieving your goal. Ulysses did not yield to all the threats he faced in his travels. Instead, he took each of his fights as an experience and learned some valuable lessons from it. So, even if life gives you a hard time, you must always remember that life is trying to give you an important message and you must move on!
Traditional grayscale sailboat tattoo
This traditional boat tattoo symbolizes the intrepid spirit of seafarers – their bravery, independence and challenging attitude to life. Ships and the sea often represent the hidden and mysterious depths of our consciousness. The ocean captivates even hardened city dwellers, mesmerizing them with its hypnotic rhythms and vastness. Sailboat tattoos will help you appreciate the excitement, fear, and romance of the sea, but they can also remind you of the darker side of the ocean.
Colorful sailboat tattoo against the backdrop of a sunset
Go with the current and let the breeze embrace you as you sink into oblivion of mesmerizing beauty with this soothing sailboat tattoo with a crimson sunset backdrop. This is exactly the kind of sunset you want to see and experience when you vacation on the open water to break away from the mundane of life. Filled with a strange serenity, you will allow the wind to caress your hair and the sun to bask your skin in its golden glow. This sailing boat tattoo is perfect for you if you prefer to look at the calmer and calming side of the sea.
Lighthouse and sailboat tattoo
While the lighthouse stands for different things, its most common symbolism is leadership and strength. For years sailors have relied on lighthouses to navigate in the dark. A lighthouse has an intrinsic relationship with the ocean. Associated with a lighthouse, a sailboat tattoo can act as a unique symbol that signifies the traveler’s journey through life toward a destination. The lighthouse is the goal – it stands for individuality. It is the ideal state of life that man wants to attain. It represents something you want to become.
Anchor and sailboat tattoo
This one has a pretty unique design. An anchor is a symbol of stability, determination, and passion. If you have set your goals in life, if you are passionate about pursuing them and if you are determined to achieve those goals, then this anchor and ship tattoo would be a symbol of encouragement for you.
“Happy we’ll be, Beyond the Sea” directly implies that you have to take risks in order to get certain good things in life. And those good things are beyond the sea – beyond the hurdles.
Small sailing boat tattoo done with vivid colors
This aesthetically pleasing sailing boat tattoo may appear calm and blissful and it can represent the calmer version of nature – but it is also subject to the looming threat of a sudden storm that could destroy everything at any moment. So, not only is this tattoo meant to remind you of the positive adventures in life, but also to prepare you for future struggles. So that when something bad happens, you don’t lose heart, but have the strength to fight it.
Paper Sailing Boat Tattoo
This boat tattoo means more than an ordinary sailing boat. The fragile paper boat embodies life. A paper boat won’t float forever – it will eventually sink. Likewise, life is fragile and can end at any moment. A paper boat can also symbolize childhood dreams that are harder to achieve but still possible. Some get lost, but those lucky enough sail to their destination.
Sailing boat tattoo with palm trees
Palm trees are a symbol of peace, victory, triumph and eternal life; paired with a sailing boat – the entire tattoo could signify that the traveler has reached their destination through a triumphant journey. It can also indicate that the wearer is in a period of their life where calm reigns.
The sea is the ultimate goal of the seafarer. It is both an alluring siren and a destructive force. Sailors have long been fascinated by this dual nature of the sea. From the dawn of time, our ancestors gazed at the oceans and created art depicting sailing ships. Whether on cave walls or canvas, these scholars of the past not only made ordinary crafts; They rendered heavenly visions, visions of adventure and heroism. This spirit of discovery still flows through our collective veins today. Sailboat Tattoos is here to serve as your guide to colorful destinations near and far, inviting you to dream of distant horizons while still staying grounded in the present.
Rich in iconography dating back centuries, these intricately designed nautical tattoos are inspired by the elements of the ship and the sea. These tattoos are a way of capturing one’s connection to these timeless themes. Aside from these designs, there are many other boat tattoos to explore:
- Pirate Ship Tattoo
- Sailing boat and wheel tattoo
- Sailboat and seagull tattoo
- Sailboat in a bottle tattoo
- Sailing boat and shark tattoo
- Shipwreck Tattoo
Featured image from Pinterest