Nauticalia

When Christopher Columbus spotted Carribean Indians sleeping in cotton nets slung between trees he thought it was such a good idea he adopted it for his crew. By 1660 hammocks were widely used in ships and sailors sometimes had to share a double one. The name, hammock, is derived from the Spanish word hamaca. Wise old sailors still prefer to sleep in hammocks, even onshore, because they get a good night's (or day's) rest. 

BATTEN HAMMOCK - the hardwood folding battens at the ends of this hammock ensure that the loosely woven nylon rope is kept comfortably spread.