How Sailing By Rod Stewart Became An Unofficial Anthem For The British Navy

March 20, 2025

It was a typical Tuesday afternoon in the summer of 1975 when Rod Stewart’s soulful voice filled the airwaves. His new song, “Sailing,” resonated with listeners across the UK. The heartfelt lyrics spoke of longing and hope, capturing emotions that many felt but couldn’t express. Little did Rod know that his ballad would soon sail into the hearts of an entirely different audience—the British Navy. As sailors prepared to set off on challenging missions, they found comfort and strength in the words of this stirring anthem, creating a bond between the music and their duty.

The story of how “Sailing” became the unofficial anthem of the British Navy is one of unexpected connections. During a particularly grueling deployment in the late 1970s, a group of sailors aboard HMS Belfast gathered around a small radio. They listened intently as the ship’s captain announced the station playing “Sailing.” It didn’t take long before the crew began to sing along, their voices rising in unison, echoing the sentiments of adventure and yearning found in the song. It wasn’t just a melody; it was a reminder of home, a source of inspiration as they navigated through turbulent waters and faced the uncertainty of the sea.

As word spread, “Sailing” became a regular feature on naval ships. Whenever the ship’s plaque was read aloud, sailors would sing Rod’s lyrics, lifting their spirits and fostering camaraderie among the crew. They found that the song reflected their own experiences—the longing for loved ones back home and the bravery required to fulfill their duties. Music has a way of uniting people, and in this case, it forged a powerful connection between Rod Stewart and the men and women serving their country. It was inspiring to see how something created in a studio could resonate so deeply on the open sea.

Meanwhile, Rod Stewart was busy navigating his own path to stardom. At that time, he faced both triumphs and trials in his career. The success of “Maggie May” had thrust him into the limelight, but the pressures of fame were immense. Even with the steady rise of his popularity, Rod remained humble, drawing strength from his roots and the stories of everyday people, including those in the Navy. Knowing that his song brought solace to sailors filled him with a sense of purpose. He wanted to inspire others, and understanding the impact of “Sailing” on the military community fueled his passion for music even more.

As the years went by, the relationship between the song and the Navy only grew stronger. Rod Stewart often spoke about the honor he felt whenever he learned that “Sailing” played as a send-off for ships departing for deployment. His performances of the song during concerts became emotional highlights, often dedicated to the men and women serving in armed forces. The respect and admiration he received filled him with pride, but more importantly, it reminded him of why he started making music in the first place—to connect with people and bring them together through shared experiences.

Today, “Sailing” continues to be a cherished anthem, not just for the British Navy but for anyone embarking on a journey, whether literal or metaphorical. It stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, much like the spirit of the sailors who embraced it. Rod Stewart’s song reminds us that no matter how far we may drift from home, we are never truly alone. The power of music is immense, and in this case, it became a lifeline for those at sea, forever intertwining the melody of “Sailing” with the stories of bravery and service in the British Navy.