"Geoff Miller" wrote in message
...


For years I've noticed that yachts for sale which are
in very good shape are often described as being in
"Bristol" condition. Why "Bristol?"

Does the English city of Bristol have some significance
in yachting with implications of a vessel's being in
first-class condition? If so, what's the story behind
that?



Geoff,

First off allow me to apologize for all the uninformed guesses as to the
origin of the term "Bristol fashion."

It's got nothing to do with anything so far suggested. Believe it or not it
has to do with woman's breasts.

http://www.peevish.co.uk/slang/b.htm scroll down to "bristols"

Ship shape and bristol fashion refers to a ship at anchor or docked that is
all stowed away and battened down as it should be like breasts in a properly
tied corset.

http://i2.iofferphoto.com/img/115000...12444281/1.jpg

Note the similarity to many classic figureheads.

Wilbur Hubbard