What is a wellerman?

A Wellman (or Wellerman, often spelled both ways) was a sailor, specifically one who worked on a sailing ship involved in the whaling industry. Their job was incredibly demanding and dangerous. While the specifics of their duties varied depending on the ship and its needs, a Wellman's tasks commonly included:

• Working the windlass: This involved manually operating the windlass, a large drum used to raise and lower the anchors and other heavy equipment. This was strenuous work, often requiring coordinated effort from a crew.
• Maintaining rigging: They were responsible for the upkeep of the ship's sails, ropes, and other rigging, crucial for the ship's navigation and ability to maneuver. This involved climbing aloft in harsh weather conditions.
• Assisting in the hunt: While not always directly involved in the actual harpooning of the whale, Wellmen played a crucial role in the hunt, assisting in maneuvering the ship, launching and retrieving boats, and securing the whale once caught.
• Processing the whale: Once a whale was caught, the Wellmen were involved in the arduous process of butchering, rendering the blubber (for oil), and preparing the whale products for transport. This was a messy and often smelly job.
• General ship maintenance: Like all sailors, Wellmen were involved in the general upkeep and maintenance of the ship, from cleaning to repairs.

The life of a Wellman was characterized by long voyages (often lasting months or even years), harsh working conditions, danger (storms, falls from the mast, whale attacks), and a strict hierarchy. While often romanticized, it was a physically demanding and often dangerous occupation. The recent popular sea shanty "Drunken Sailor" (often misidentified as the Wellerman) and the original "The Wellerman" celebrate the lives and hardships of these men.