Sailing the Seas forever

That is the classic story of "The Flying Dutchman."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Dutchman

Yup, the flying dutchman. Also the french-canadian chasse galerie. Although I believe the flying dutchman ship floats in the air above the ocean, and the chasse-galerie flies through the air too. The Flying Dutchman is often described as a variation on the wandering jew, so maybe check that out too!

The Man Without a Country is another variation. “The Man” deals with the fate of Philip Nolan, an officer seduced to treason by Aaron Burr, whose punishment consists of living out his life on naval ships, never being allowed to set foot in or hear word of his nation: he eventually learns his lesson, and vehemently speaks of patriotism and the greatness of his nation to other sailors.

Gah - I can't remember the title, but there's also a more modern version of the Dutchman set on an ocean liner. The liner went down in the late 19th century and it has to sail forever until it reaches its port - only the port is no longer there.

Great, now I have the flying dutchman music stuck in my head.