While renaming Wishful Thinking, I had to do some research on the "proper" ceremony. Now before y'all get your dander up and your knickers in a twist, I take this very seriously. One can not have a proper vessel without a proper ceremony nor without the proper libations. So don't go telling us that renaming is a bunch of hooey. On the other hand we do not hide in our bunks at night for fear of offending the gods. It is part of the tradition, continuity and history of our vessel and the sea. There is a line that started at the designer's drafting board and continues all the way to present day. Rituals bond our community together. Now that's a reason for a celebration (or as good as any that I can think of). So on with the unscientifically collected wisdom from the live-aboard mailing list, YACHT-L list, and other souces:
Attributed to Paul Kamen <fishmeal@netcom.com>Yes, there is a way to change a boat's name without upsetting the various deities of the sea and air.
First time out with the new name on the boat, luff up into the wind and drift to a complete stop, then allow the boat to sail backwards. This represents "backing over" the old name. Sailing backwards is hard - requires a good breeze, some waves usually help, and a fair amount of skill. But the goddesses and gods that are concerned with these matters are not easy to impress! If the boat is a fin keel type with a separate rudder, you should be able to stabilize in backwards mode and do it for at least a few boat-lengths. For a full-keeler, the spirits will most likely be appeased with a half-boat-length or so. Under no circumstance should you do this under power!
If the boat is a powerboat, you will have bad luck with the new name until you have run aground three times. I don't know if these can be intentional groundings - perhaps someone with more experience in this area could clarify this.
Attributed to David M. Boatman <dboat@lava.net>In July I was one of a huge party of witnesses as my friends held a renaming ceremony for their boat prior to departing/cruising.
This consisted of King Neptune appearing in full costume with trident and presiding over the ceremony on the bow. He called upon the owners to give the old name of the vessel then prayed to the gods of the winds, of the east, west, north, south, etc. to forever forget the name of vessel. The owners had to swear they had wiped out every trace of the name from the boat, the logbooks and other equipment of the boat. Then they opened a bottle of champagne and poured some off the starboard bow and the port bow (then the bottle proceeded to the onlookers on the docks.
Next, Neptune, asked the new name of the boat. Invoked various blessings and read several famous nautical quotes. Finally pronouncing the new name was the only recognized or remembered name and the old one is never to be spoken again.
More champagne off the starboard and port bow accompanied the new christening and the bottle proceeded to the crowd.
It was a cute ceremony. Very officious and satisfying to all who participated or observed.
I haven't seen this ceremony performed before but King Neptune is a world cruiser (of American descent) and "he" says it was the proper way.
Attributed to David Addleman <ghiberti.cyberware.com!david>Obliterate all traces of the old name, don't just cover it up. Documents, lifevests, everything on the boat. Don't apply the new name yet.
Get fancy champagne, plead with the gods to forget the name, drink a little, spill a lot.
Get another fancy champagne, plead with the gods to accept the new name. Drink, spill, etc. Apply the new new name. Never mention the old name.
Don't insult the gods with a presumptuous name like, Storm Master or Wave Rider, they will accept the challenge to disprove the name...
This assumes that you believe there are gods...if you don't think so just paint on the new one and pray there aren't any.
Attributed to George GeistOld salts used to burn the mast, later it was considered okay to stick a knife or hatchet into the mast. Modern day sailors put a new penny under the mast (I used a dollar coin just to be safe). Of course none of this helps if you don't toast Neptune with a liquid salute every time you open a new bottle (or keg) of rum and of course don't forget when you re-baptize your boat to again share some of your champagne with the old man :-)
Attributed to Rev. Karin Conover-Lewis <revkarin-pacbell.net>Ah, well sailors seem to be a superstitious bunch... :-)
Renaming a boat is a rather painstaking process, since it's important to insure that the boat will recognize her new name and answer to it. It is also considered to be extremely bad luck to rename a boat while she is in the water, so the first step, at least, should be done while she is hauled-out.
First, it's necessary to remove all references to her prior name. This includes not only removing names painted onto her directly but also names entered into log books, painted on life rings, foulies, etc. If you like you can have a "denaming" ceremony at this point. The purpose of this is to prevent her from becoming confused about what her name really is.You then paint on her new name, enter it into a new log, apply it to the liferings, etc. When all this is done, she can be relaunched. An alternative school of thought has it that she should not be relaunched until after the naming ceremony, but on this point you'll have to make up your own mind. It's difficult to pour anything into the water at a boatyard when the boat is a hundred feet or more from the sea.
Now that she's back in the water, she needs to be told what her name is preferably before you take her out. A ceremony should be conducted at this time, officially naming her and asking for the blessings of the four winds and the god of the sea (Neptune or Poseidon, normally). A libation should be offered to the gods by pouring wine or other spirits into the water and, if you like, thrown in each of the four cardinal directions. Now that the gods are appeased, the people attending the ceremony can offer a toast to the new vessel, wish her a long and happy life, and repeat her name.
All in all, much more satisfying than simply filling-in a government form.
Attributed to Cameron McDermaid <cmcd@interlog.com>A colleague of mine just changed the name of a boat he purchased. He said its okay as long as you replace a keel bolt.
John Vigor's Interdenominational Boat Denaming CeremonyIn the name of all who have sailed aboard this ship in the past and in the name of all who will sail aboard her in the future, We invoke the ancient gods of the wind and sea to favor us with their blessing.
Mighty Neptune, King of all that moves in or on the waves; Mighty Aeolus, guardian of the winds and all that blow before them; We offer you our thanks for the protection you have afforded this vessel in the past . We voice gratitude that she has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe passage to port.
Now we submit this supplication that the name whereby this vessel has hitherto been known [old vessel name] be struck and removed from your records. Further, we ask that when she is again presented for blessing with another name, she shall be recognized and accorded once again the self same privileges which she previously enjoyed.
In return, we rededicate this vessel to your domain in full knowledge that she shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the gods of the sea and the wind.
In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we seal this pact with libations offered according to the hallowed ritual of the sea.
The ceremony is performed on the bow with a good bottle of champagne, spray full bottle on the bow as the libation, Master of the vessel and ceremony gives the invocation. Mistress of ceremony (if any) performs the libation and offers a toast to the continued welfare of the vessel. All retire below with sufficient bottles of the same champagne for champagne meal, following which (after at least an hour) a renaming ceremony is performed with the same parties and a new bottle of champagne. Followed by a toast:
To Neptune, Aeolus and the [newly named vessel], may she always find fair winds, good sailing and safe harbor
Use a second bottle. It is important to use the full bottle on the bow each time - no cheap ceremonies will be accepted by Neptune!!
Stuck for a name? For all you Jimmy Buffett fans out there, there is the Parrothead Boat Name Generator
Marine Graphics Co has a long collected wisdom page which will entertain you for hours!From Bryan Genez, "Capella" Valiant 40 #158
Subject: [Y-L] Taleisin
I've had the pleasure of meeting Lin and Larry Pardey this week, as they were borrowing one of our offices to prepare their talk at the Annapolis Boat Show.
As Lin was leaving this morning, I asked her, "How did Taleisin get her name?" She replied, "We got it for a leg."
Several years ago, the Pardeys, Bernard Moitessier and Tristan Jones were guests at a dinner honoring these circumnavigators. A few weeks later, Tristan Jones was hospitalized, and one leg was amputated.
When Lin and Larry heard, they wrote their condolences to Tristan, and in a light-hearted manner, mentioned that they had a fine piece of teak that was left over from the new bowsprit of the boat they were building, should he want the wood for a peg-leg. Within a few days, they received a reply from Tristan, in which he thanked them for offering to build him a peg-leg, included the necessary measurements, and asked that it be made lighter than the prosthesis the doctors had given him, which weighed 16 pounds, and was "uncomfortable."
Realizing they'd been caught in a trap of their own making, Lin went to the library to research peg-legs. She found a number of drawings of ancient sailors who had one, and from these drawings and Tristan's measurements, Larry crafted a teak peg-leg. Lin said, "Since it wasn't moving, I added six coats of varnish. Then we packaged it up and sent it off."
Well, it was a hit! Tristan wrote that it fit perfectly, and that he had some old "Spanish doubloons" with which he was going to decorate it. At the time, Tristan was a pauper, but he asked what he could do for the Pardeys in exchange for their fine gift.
Larry and Lin discussed it, and decided to ask Tristan to help name their boat. They knew she had to have a Welsh name, to follow in Seraffyn's tradition, and wanted her named for a troubadour.
Tristan wrote back, "The only appropriate name is Taleisin." He went on to explain that Taleisin was the grandson of Merlin (the Magician) and is reputed to be the author of the work that eventually became the tales of King Arthur. The name in Welsh also translates into "wandering singer."
Lin said this story hasn't yet appeared in any of their books. I was fascinated; hope you enjoyed it as well.
Here is a little De-naming - Re-naming ceremony I authored some time ago. It is a compilation of some reading, very questionable research and some downright "Made Up" stuff.
The De-naming words and the Re-namin poem are mine. If you have trouble with using Greek gods in your ceremony, feel free to subsitute the deity of your choice.
Kindly Wind and Seas,
Ralph
Denaming and Renaming Ralph's Really Right Renaming RegimenFirst: You must DE-name: Example; Bless the former name and allow that name to go to the everlasting sea. ( A simple thanks for it's former service and a good-bye to.... "Old name here"..... should do.) Also remove ALL traces of the original name.
Second: You must establish the new name - Now here comes the fun part !!
1ST method - You must pour very good red wine (RED wine, NOT bubbly- see below ) on the bow and offer some to the god Poseidon (Neptune) pouring the wine into the waters of the Home Port, saying out loud the new name, asking Poseidon to bless the boat and all who ride within. If it is a sailboat, don't forget Aeolus, the god of winds. Both gods blessings required. Also, the Captain(owner), crew and guests should sip the wine as well (spill and intake quantity is not limited ! The gods like generosity ! )
2nd method - After de-naming : Scuttle the boat out of sight of land - refloat and rename - not many of us can do that one ! ( at least not on purpose) :-) ...
3rd method - Have a Virgin urinate on the bow while renaming the boat and asking Poseidon's blessing -- The major problem here is ahhhhhh -- Well, I'll let you work on that one.
I used method 1 and 3 ( a friend has a baby girl). By the way, all the methods have REAL historical backgrounds, Such as :
Red wine is the wine to spill, it symbolizes the blood of a virgin (yep, they used to sacrifice a virgin and spill the blood on the boat). In later history the blood of captured enemies or slaves was used. Urine has a history that is almost as fascinating. In some cultures leather was used to cover boats and urine helped tan the leather. Urine was also used to "wash" away old things and to clean wounds. Since boats were thought to have souls, when captured, the soul needed to have the old wounds washed away and re named to reflect the new owners culture.
Champagne is a very "new" invention and was not used until the 19th century. When christening a NEW ship it may have symbolized baptismal water. Even today, in some countries holy water is used instead of wine.
By the way the word "christening" should be a consideration when renaming. Not a religious thing but you really are not christening a new boat when renaming. It is possible some folks might feel it not appropriate to use Greek and Roman gods to bless a "Christ-ening". Some folks who have used the following ceremony have substitued... Lord and/or God.
During the De-Naming / Renaming ceremony ( which ever one you choose ) Please feel free to include the Ode to the sea and wind gods called "To Appease the Spirits of the Seas " which I wrote......................
(DE-NAMING PLEA) I bid hail !! Aeolus and Poseidon ! And seek your benefaction upon this vessel , May the name she carried before, be gone as the winds of yore, Having served the former master with honor. I now, with deep respect, petition you royal beings , To give this vessel's new hailing and her next voyages, your kindnesses. (RE-NAMING) Be it known by one and all! This vessel, from this day, will be hailed as, .....new name....... ! Aeolus, whose mighty hand doth charge the wind, To this vessel gentle zephyrs send, And we who sail within will bend Our heads in tribute, Never end. With breath from high that maketh heaven's breeze, To cause we sailors joy, or fear, upon the seas. We call upon you Aeolus, please - grant this ship and its mortal ease. O! Poseidon, you spirit god of waters great and small, On this vessel, by your grace, allow these sons and daughters all, to pass from port of hailing to their port of call, And on these sailing subjects make your gentle blessings fall. You who cause the seas to rage or lie in sweet repose, Please list to we mariners here, your servants of the flows. This ship, the captain, crew and all of those - Who love the wind and seas - will follow where thee goes Ralph E. Ahseln (C) April 1996 Gresham OR Oblio isMe @aol.com rahseln@teleport.com oblio-too@juno.com
Ginny's boat blessing ceremony
Begin with a reading paragraph or two from someone who really loved boats:
Waves dancing joyously across Massachusetts Bay met the sloop coming out, to dash themselves instantly into myriads of sparkling gems that hung across her breast at every surge. The day was perfect, the sunlight clear and strong. Every particle of water thrown into the air became a gem, and a Spray, making good her name as she danced ahead, snatched necklace after necklace from the seam and as often threw them away.
The author of those words was Joshua Slocum, the first person to sail around the world alone. He was describing his departure on April 24, 1895, out of Boston on the tiny sloop "Spray". At the age of 51, Slocum (once captain of tall ships and now still mourning the death of his young wife) sailed alone on an old fishing vessel he had rebuilt himself. The beginning of an historic voyage around the world.
Contrary to popular opinion, those of us who live on the water do not "love" the ocean. We respect her. We fear her. We honor her. Love is not the right word to describe the water itself. But love is the right word for our boats. We love our boats. Those fragile structures of wood or fiberglass or metal that create a temporary haven - a hole in the water- where we can find safety from the sea.
Kenneth Grahame, in his classic children's story, The Wind in the Willows, has the Water Rat describe it this way:
...there is NOTHING - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing about in boats - or WITH boats. In or out of 'em, it doesn't mater. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you get away or whether you don't, whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy and you never do anything in particular. When you've done it, there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not.
There is nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.
The boating life is a lifestyle quite different from any other. The liveaboard boater is part wandering gypsy (like the caravaners on land), part bohemian free spirit and part reckless ne'er-do-well (as landlubbers are so fond of saying).
But we love our boats.
THE BLESSING
OWNER: "We have come together this afternoon to perform a blessing on this boat. In ancient times, a vessel was blessed with all four elements to insure it remained in balance with the forces of the world. Today we will do the same."
MASTER: The first ancient element was AIR (light incense and pass it to the owner). Air is the element of thought and logic; of clear vision. By blessing this vessel with air, we ask that the skipper be always blessed with clear knowledge and the skill to overcome all obstacles.
OWNER: (As you carry the incense around the gunwales from stem to stern and return, repeat these words) "I bless this boat with air. May she grant me clear vision always."
MASTER: The second element is FIRE (light a candle or lamp and pass it to the owner). Fire is the element of change and magic; of transformation and of will. By blessing this boat with fire, we ask that the boat behave well in the water - like magic.
OWNER: (As you carry the lamp around the gunwales from stem to stern and return, say these words) "I bless this boat with fire. May she carry me magically through the seas."
MASTER: The third element is WATER (hold up a chalice filled with water and hand it to the owner). Water is the element of emotions and love; of relationships and friendships. By blessing this boat with water, we ask that the skipper always have many friends at hand.
OWNER: (As you sprinkle water on the vessel around the gunwales, from stem to stern and return, repeat these words) "I bless this boat with water. May I always be surrounded by good friends."
MASTER: The last element is EARTH (hold up a pentacle of salt). Earth is the element of basic needs and sustenance; of material things and health and financial matters. By blessing this boat with earth, we ask that the skipper always have health and happiness.
OWNER: (As you spread salt around the gunwales, from stem to stern and return, repeat these words) "I bless this boat with earth. May I stay healthy , wealthy, and happily together with this vessel."
MASTER: Now, repeat after me: "And as I will it, so might it me! Blessed be!"
OWNER: "And as I will it, so might it me! Blessed be!"
MASTER: The blessing is done. May she carry you always as free as the wind, as sprightly as fire, as lovingly as water, and as safely as the earth itself. Blessed be!
Ceremony compliments of our friend Ginny Kienast and her beautiful S/V "Dove".
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