Naming a boat can be fun and bring out creativity, and what about re-naming a second-hand boat; let's look at what to consider!
It would be wise not to make a hasty decision that could cause regret latter; think of a name you can be proud of, easy to pronounce … something that speaks to you! Why not think of a favorite location, what type of boat you have and the pleasure and adventure it will bring you!
What should you consider; Naming a Boat?
First think of safety!
Make the name easy to pronounce and relay in times of an emergency, your life could potentially depend on this. You do not want a name that can be misinterpreted or hard to pronounce when calling it out on the emergency radio. Complicated spellings can also cause confusion, especially when you are using the phonetic alphabet to call the Coastguard in a crisis.
Think the feminine touch!
Boats are traditionally 'she's' but you do not have to go overboard with this. A lot of boats bear a women's name, maybe something personal to the skipper. Too cute does not generally work either.
Avoiding Cliché's
Some names are very common and you see them repeatedly over different boats. When naming your boat think outside the square and look for something original, something personal and unique to your boat! Some of the sail boats commonly seen have been called 'Cool Running,' 'Keel Over,' 'Ocean Runner' and 'Ocean Spirit,' 'Wind Dancer and' Wind Breaker 'to name a few.
Re-Naming a Boat!
But what about if you have bought a boat and you do not even like saying the name with a vengeance … It is so awful and inappropriate it sticks in your throats when asked?
So how do I go about changing it?
Nautical folklore is heavily wrapped up in superstitions! One of the most famous superstitions is that if you re-name your boat it will anger the Gods of the sea, and will curse the boat with bad luck forever. What if you do not like the name of a boat are you stuck with it?
Mythology says you can rename a boat without being cursed with bad luck as long as you go a special re-naming ceremony!
Superstition says renaming a boat is tantamount to defying the deities. According to myth, every vessel's name is recorded in the Ledger of the Deep, which is Poseidon's (the Greek god of the sea) personal record book. To actually change a boat's name, you must purge its original name from the ledger.
Pour the champagne overboard to appease Neptune while splashing some on the boat hull. An alternate is to smash a bottle of champagne on the boat hull, so Neptune and the boat both get their appropriate portions.
Then, while you're surrounded by family and friends, christen your boat as if it was the first time. This process is fraught with danger and tradition, and getting it right is a serious business. However, you should take the advice below with a huge pinch of (sea) salt!
Here is a basic summary for you to follow;
• Remove all traces of the old name. Obviously, only do this once you have basically changed the registration but do not bring anything on board with the new name until this is done.
• Perform a ritual ceremony! See below.
• Offer a sacrifice – champagne is the norm but a total of rum, wine red or white may suffice, do not forget to have enough for you and your friends.
• Attach the new name as soon as possible
Neptune's purging ceremony
"Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to what all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (here insert the old name of your vessel) which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom.
As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name to be corrected through your powers and forever be purged from the sea. (At this point, the prepared metal tag is dropped from the bow of the boat into the sea.)
In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and distribution, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (Pour at least half of the bottle of Champagne into the sea from East to West.
Neptune's renaming Ceremony
Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through which power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we impart to grant this worthy vessel (Insert your boat's new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle registration accordingly to our needs.
(Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone. Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath.
(Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning. Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawually endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath.
(Facing east, repeat and fling to the East.) Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawually endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath.
(Facing south, repeat, flinging to the South.) Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawually endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scaling breath.
Oh! Neptune, 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. . "
Is this Re-Naming Ceremony Necessary!
It's entirely up to you! Do people actually do it; an absolute yes! Tongue in cheek or for a bit of fun with this ceremony, traditional words and some good champagne! If nothing else it's a good excuse for a party !!