Re: Officially named or not?
The Christening Ceremony
Contrary to popular belief, it?s not bad luck to rename your boat if you?re the new owner, say boating name experts. But the sea has its superstitions, and it?s a lot better to be safe than sorry. For example, you want to make sure that the ?old? name is removed from everything on board, including log books and charts. If its name is painted on the hull, gently sand it away and then paint over it. If vinyl, use a hair dryer to make peeling the old name off easier, and then use acetone to get rid of every trace of glue.
Buy a bottle of the best champagne you can afford (you don?t want to offend the sea gods with the cheap stuff). Say a few words of supplication to every wind and ocean god you can find on the Internet (and don?t forget your own higher power) asking for good will, indulgence and safety for your boat. Pour an enormous libation over the bow of your boat and share the rest with any guests. If you have more than one excellent bottle of champagne, by all means wrap it in a towel and break it over your bow, but it?s a lot harder to do than it looks.
To cement the naming ceremony, tradition holds you should then take your newly christened boat out on the water. If it?s a sailboat, luff it up into the wind and drift to a complete stop, then allow it to sail backwards ? a boat-length is long enough to appease the spirits. If it?s a powerboat, some traditionalists suggest running it aground (gently, of course). The moderates claim three times on purpose will make the gods happy, while die-hards say these groundings can?t be intentional. It?s up to you.
?Becky Squires
Copyright BoatUS Magazine
March 2001
