It was a common superstition among sailors that renaming a boat would condemn her to an early visit to the deep. This was the equivalent of removing her soul.
However, as times have changed it has been found acceptable to accomplish this task as long as a strict regimen was followed that would appease the Gods.
SOOO... Here is my Story! A group of us from the Anacortes Yacht Club went on a cruise to lovely Sucia Island (one of the San Juan islands) and during the weekend of fun and frolic we were treated to a boat re naming ceremony for 2 of the boats in the fleet.
As you may know, to re name a boat without the proper homage to Poseidon/Neptune is considered VERY BAD LUCK.
Before you can Re-Name your boat you have to De-Name the boat. However, before that you must remove from your boat any mention of the old name and then buy a nice bottle of champagne or more for the guests. In this case Rum was used for the ceremony.
The De-Naming Ceremony
Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom 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 corrupted 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 dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (Pour at least half of the bottle of Champagne or Rum into the sea from East to West.
The remainder may be passed among your guests.
Now the Re-naming Ceremony.
It is long and involved. We performed a shorter but still valid version with Rum instead of Champagne. Here is the whole ceremony to re-name a vessel.
The Boat Re-Naming ceremony on Video
Boaters and Non-boaters alike enjoy living in Anacortes. Perhaps we can tempt you to check out homes for sale in Anacortes in case you decide that the lifestyle we enjoy if just right for you and your family.
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