Christening Ceremonies

[Dave]

I have never named or renamed a boat. To me renaming seems a little disrespectful. I have read many renaming ceremonies but since I am just launching my new sailing dinghy I'd like to give her a proper Christening. Does anyone have a description of one or can point to a web page where I can find one?Thanksdave

 

[BW]

De-naming and Naming Ceremony

I found an interesting article at the following address:www.48north.com/aug97/denaming.htm

 

[Joe Thomas]

bad luck

i too am renaming my boat. i read many years ago somewhere that there is a procedure. it that was performed in the old days usually when a boat was sold to a new owner. it was in an old sailing book of the same vintage as the patrick obrien books. this emplies that all true boat names are women.you need to go thru the normal christening procedure and add a ring from the woman or a coin from the woman under the mast to avoid bad luck.

 

[sloopercat]

Glockenspiel

I sailed on a "new" to the current owner's boat. The last chore I did before leaving the dock was to remove the name from the throwable life ring. I asked him about the wisdom of changing names? No offense, but Glockenspiel was worth risk of changing. We had diesel problems that plagued us through the trip. But, we learned a bunch about not relying on a motor. And also learned a bit about trouble shooting a diesel.

 

[Tom]

I'd go with the ceremony BW listed from 48North

And Joe Thomas...I think the ring/coin under the mast is what old time sailors did just in case the boat went down then at least they would have money to pay the "toll" to get through thegates of heaven .Plus I found a Paryer I Really like for Boats and the people who sail them...Here it is...(I think its Gaelic or something) O Thou who pervadest the heights, Imprint on us Thy gracious blessing, Carry us over the surface of the sea, Carry us safely to a haven of peace, Bless our boatmen and our boat, Bless our anchors and our oars, Each stay and halyard and traveller.  I myself will sit down at the helm, It is God's own Son who will give me guidance, As He gave to Columba the mild What time he set stay to sails.

 

[dave]

Why is a boat always given a woman's name?

Perhaps it is like Rodney Dangerfield once said in his classic phonograph record. It was relative to a car but applicable to a boat. "...because in the morning when you really need her she won't turn over!"Happy Holiday weekend all. See you next week.Dave