victory at sea

English

Etymology

Reputed to refer to the wind-blown rolling seas in the movie and television series Victory at Sea.

Pronunciation

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Noun

victory at sea (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic) Ocean conditions that are very windblown and messy, possibly to the point of being inimical to surfing and other watersports.
   • 1995, Tom Tweed, “1/5/95 sd cali. surf 7-8' onshore slop”, in alt.surfing‎^[1] (Usenet):

     It is total "Victory at Sea" out there today- 17 to 25 knot onshore winds kicking up big. messy windswell/chop everywhere.

   • 1998, Jim Shuck, “Watercraft World Recap”, in rec.sport.jetski‎^[2] (Usenet):

     It is extremely fast and comfortable to ride in 2 foot chop like we had in the ocean today. It will still run near 60 in that "victory at sea" if one can hang on.

   • 2004, Vans Triple Crown press release 11.16.2004 [3]

     A diminishing swell Saturday led officials to call for a lay day, then a strong on-shore storm system moved through overnight leaving victory at sea conditions yesterday.

   • 2005, Glenn Woodell, “Omaezaki?”, in rec.windsurfing‎^[4] (Usenet):

     It's not Maui, but wind swell becoming Victory At Sea conditions on the outside as it goes 4.2.

   • 2011, National Weather Service, Area Forecast Discussion Tallahassee FL 11:28 AM EDT Mon Sep 5 2011‎^[5]:

     HIGH SURF AND DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS CONTINUE TODAY WITH VICTORY AT SEA CONDITIONS. SOME BEACH EROSION HAS LIKELY OCCURRED OVER IN THE PANHANDLE.