Talk:Consort (nautical)

American sources

More references from other sources so that this can be added to HMS Repulse.

BlueD954 (talk) 05:33, 1 May 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Not just a North American term

The article contains two paragraphs that quite adequately explain the two rather different nautical meanings of this term. It can be either a tug-and-barge combination, or two vessels travelling together. Unfortunately, the pop-up box that gives a synopsis, and the disambiguation link, both only provide the North American Great Lakes version. This is not helpful.

Which is the more prevalent meaning? I'm not sure, and neither version is especially current. The consort system was used in the Great Lakes from the 1860s to around 1920. But consort as a term for two ships travelling in convoy has been used before, during and after that time period, across a much wider sphere. Then there is the non-nautical meaning, "a wife, husband, or companion, in particular the spouse of a reigning monarch e.g. Queen Victoria and her consort, Prince Albert." In that respect, a secondary vessel that is merely dragged along behind is rather unflattering.

I am not especially inclined to favor one version over the other, but if I cannot find a way to succinctly cover both meanings within the first line, then I am may be forced to switch the paragraphs around.

WendlingCrusader (talk) 11:50, 24 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Notes regarding my edit, i.e the new introductory line, mostly copied from the existing text, but with the removal of some dubious wording.

Ships often sail alongside one another, particularly in a congested or narrow waterway, such as when passing through the Strait of Dover in the English Channel. This is just accidental, unless they are deliberately accompanying a second vessel.

Regarding Great Lakes usage, whilst it is very convenient if the consort is fully-laden, this is not a pre-requisite for the definition of consort. Even empty or partially laden barges require a steamer/tugboat to move around, thus becoming the consort.

Likewise there is no specific requirement for the steamer/tug to be 'larger' than the vessel being towed. In the modern era it is a fact that most tugs are considerably smaller than the vessels they are in charge of. For an older example, see The Fighting Temeraire by J W Turner (1838).

For now, I am only adding a new first line for clarity, whilst leaving the main body exactly as it was, complete with these dubious terms. Maybe another editor will find a better solution before I return here.

WendlingCrusader (talk) 18:48, 24 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]