Posthumous Grammar Snobbery

Brendan Greeley, who worked two summers taking care of William F. Buckley's 36-foot sloop, told his employer: "... how much I enjoyed the job of mate on his boat."

Buckley replied: "First mate. I have a mate. Her name is Pat." Source: Los Angeles Times Opinion, March 2, 2008

From the American Heritage Dictionary:

mate: 5. A deck officer on a merchant ship ranking next below the master.