It's fascinating how many angles one can look at this little scene! My first vague thought was also that CW's views on women aboard a ship are also influenced by the breakup, and that his unknown driving force that makes him unintentionally believe and say these things is *still* connected to what had happened between him and Anne. (Thanks, Kim! You explained it very eloquently, as usual. :)

But I'm very enlightened as to the other ideas as well. Of course, there's the practicality issue (D'oh!), and the "women are to be protected" issue (Mmm...), and the "there were no other women in my life" issue. Very good and probable angles as well.