Why Red Sails?

Here goes with my very first entry! I hope I don't disappoint!

How did I choose my title? A few years ago I decided to investigate my family history and started on my father's side. I knew most had been fishermen and I already had an interest in the old sailing trawlers as my father had told me how he sailed with his uncle. I came across a photograph of this uncle, my great Uncle Sam. He owned the Guess and later the Guess Again, BM 346. Guess Again was well known for taking part in the big regattas in the early part of the 20th century. She was, like many others, broken up when steam trawlers took over so I don't remember having seen her, but there are seven out of a fleet of nearly 300 still sailing. I often see Provident, Leader, Pilgrim and Vigilance and each time it gives me a great surge of emotion. And, of course, they have red sails! As for the song Red Sails in the Sunset, I believe it was written by a woman watching for her fisherman husband or lover to return to harbour! Perhaps someone could tell me if this theory is true.