The latest posts and comments on narrative and drama has drawn me back to tvtropes.  I even stayed up (too late) last night working on my first contribution to the cause.  It’s a very minor trope (or two), but will probably be recognizable.  The one I formally submitted:  Sailing is freedom!

The other idea, that came along with that one, is “married to his ship”.  The Captain may have all sorts of relationships with women, but never a permanent one.  That is reserved for the Enterprise/Black Pearl/Serenity/whatever.

If you have any other examples spring to mind, let me know!