Is there a ceremony when you buy a boat that has

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Jun 9, 2004
963
Hunter 40.5 Bayfield, WI
already been named? I know there is a naming ceremony and a denaming ceremony but is there any kind of ceremony to be performed when you buy a boat already named and you aren't changing the name?
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,182
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Three Things

First, you have to buy her an extravagant gift. Something that will really add to her character, but which makes your wallet twitter. Second, you mast add your own boat bite. Some little knick, chip or dent that is all yours. Third, I suggest a re-christening ceremony with friends, neighbors and dock mates so she can feel welcome by all. Just kidding of course, but why not? ;D Rick D.
 
B

bob G.

Yes

Once you launch the boat, you need to stand on the transom and throw a ten dollar bill into the water,( just to get used to throwing money away)!
 

Zaphro

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Mar 20, 2008
101
Catalina 34 Mayport
Ten dollar bill?

My boat; she would be insulted if I was throwing away anything less than a crisp $100. ;D
 
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
Run around the deck naked...

Wait, let me see your picture again. OK, run around the deck naked, make sure a video is running and post on Youtube. Now... really... I seriously am kidding. :)
 

muised

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Aug 17, 2005
97
- - Halifax, Nova Scotia
A ceremony

I think any new boat that is going to be "loved" by its new owners would not be upset by a new name. I just bought a new boat, and fully intend to rename it. That being said, I won't be doing it until I deliver it the 220 miles to home (no sense screwing with fate). I've seen variations on the ceremony on this link (below) just make sure she get's a little drink of something good. My last boat I used Champagne, but I'm thinking single malt scotch for this one.
 
Feb 26, 2004
22,979
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Yes, there is

and here it is: http://www.48north.com/mr_offline/denaming.htm
 

Dan

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Jul 26, 2006
190
Hunter 420 Stamford
I look at it like this . . .

When you buy a new boat you wind up buying all sorts of presents for her. You know, all the things that showed up in the survey. And all the other things that didn't. And all the things on your wish list. And the things you see in the chandlery that you buy on the spur of the moment. And the things your dockmates say you absolutely MUST have. So I think of it more of a baby shower than a christening. RE-christening is another matter. That involves rituals that you can find on the web. Both, however, involve alcohol!
 
Jun 9, 2004
963
Hunter 40.5 Bayfield, WI
I think I like Brian's idea so far!!!

Made me laugh out loud and now all my office mates know I am not working but goofing off again...
 
R

Red

That depends on your religion.

If you're a Greek (not a Greek national, but an old time worshipper of the Greek Gods) or you follow other older ways, probably. If you're a Christian, Jew, or Moslem, no no no, boat naming is a pagan way and heresy. There are some modern day folks who swear there is one correct ceremony--and they're full of bunk. Nautical tradition going back at least to the Greeks and probably the Phoenicians before them, is that a captain is literally WED to his ship, which is considered to be a daughter of Poseidon (etc). A priest conducts the wedding and acts for a blessing of the new couple. The purpose of the wedding, and the dowry coin placed under the mast on commissioning, is to invoke Poseidon's favor for the new husband of his daughter, the boat. Change the name and the sea god may not know who the stranger is, or worse he may be angered. So...You make your own placations and peace with your new wife, and her father. You ask their permission and their blessing, and while you're at it, you might speak to the Wind and weather gods as well. Or if you follow one of those newfangled Western religions, just make your prayers before you go to sea. Monotheists usually don't bother with wedding boats, and commit heresy by addressing pagan gods. Your boat, your choice.
 
Sep 20, 2006
2,952
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
just went through the same thing

on our boat. The current name on the boat wasn't "Us" and we wanted to rename her. I researched the appropriate manner in which to have her renamed and found the above links. She has been transformed in name, we have not carried out the ceremony to properly have her renamed and luckily she is still on the hard. Once we get her "home" we'll pay our utmost respects and follow the solemn ritual in which to have her properly christened. Although I like Brians' idea and I'll have to convince the Admiral of the same for the sake of the mistress.
 
Mar 3, 2007
139
Catalina 36 Lexington Mi
I to agree with Brian

Princess I do believe that in the Great Lakes Brians is the prefered method for renaming a sailboat. You also need several experianced witnesses. I am willing to sacrifice some of my time to help you out and I am sure there are a few more here that would be generous enough to help. The more witnesses the better is what I have always heard but I am sure Brian will back me up on that.
 
Jun 24, 2004
40
Hunter 26 Boat has been sold - Currently boatless :(
Move on quickly!

OR.... You could do what we did... Peel the old one off and stick the new one on! Anything else takes way too much time away from the thing you're trying to do in the first place... SAIL! :) Pat
 
F

Fred

There are lots of traditional

ways to bond with your new vessel. What they all have in common is alcohol and/or drugs. As long as you include those basics, and make it cheerful, you're on the right track.
 

NYSail

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Jan 6, 2006
3,136
Beneteau 423 Mt. Sinai, NY
Naked

Naked deck run-about with a beverage of choice in your hand and great music playing. Wife and I opted for the 5 miles out version, with a renaming twist added. Worked out real good! Good luck Princess
 
Jun 9, 2004
963
Hunter 40.5 Bayfield, WI
Those are all great ideas!

Thanks everyone. If it ever warms up enough up here (17 degrees this morning as I drove to work)and we get the boat in the water, I will begin the appropiate ritual. Watch for the video!
 
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
Whoot!

Now where is that video? [as Brian D starts his search on YouTube] :) Have fun Princess. By the way, since being on a being on a lake, and you being a princess, does that make you a LAP (Lake American Princess) and thus possibly maintenance free? You can tell me, and I swear I won't mention it here on the forums. *x
 

Drogue

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Jun 2, 2004
2
Hunter 306 Presque Isle
Ceremonies for you to consider

Princess of the Lake: Last year I purchased a used Hunter 306 and did quite a bit of research on the "proper" way to dename and christen my boat because I really didn't want to piss off King Neptune or bring bad mojo to my boat. Demaning ceremony: "In the name of all who have sailed aboard this ship in the past, and in the name of all who may sail aboard her in the future, we invoke the ancient gods of the wind and the sea to favor us with their blessing today. "Mighty Neptune, king of all that moves in or on the waves; and mighty Aeolus (pronounced EE-oh-lus), guardian of the winds and all that blows before them: "We offer you our thanks for the protection you have afforded this vessel in the past. We voice our gratitude that she has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe passage to port. "Now, wherefore, we submit this supplication, that the name whereby this vessel has hitherto been known (_____), 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 shall be accorded once again the selfsame privileges she previously enjoyed. "In return for which, 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 wind and the sea. "In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we seal this pact with a libation offered according to the hallowed ritual of the sea." After a boat is de-named, you simply need to rename it using the traditional christening ceremony, preferably with Queen Elizabeth breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow, and saying the words: "I name this ship ___________ and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her." Christening Ceremony: "For thousands of years, we have gone to sea. We have crafted vessels to carry us and we have called them by name. These ships will nurture and care for us through perilous seas, and so we affectionately call them "she." To them we toast, and ask to celebrate (your boats name)." Everybody raises their glass and shouts, "TO THE SAILORS OF OLD…TO Isabella Everybody takes a sip. "The moods of the sea are many, from tranquil to violent. We ask that this ship be given the strength to carry on. The keel is strong and she keeps out the pressures of the sea." Again the glasses are raised, and the assemblage shouts, "TO THE SEA...TO THE SAILORS OF OLD...TO THE SEA!" Everybody takes another sip. "Today we come to name this lady (your boats name), and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for the (your family name)family. We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God that is the sea to accept (your boats name) as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely. " Again, with the raising of the glasses, "TO THE SEA...TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US...TO (your boats name)" A last, long sip by all. Then drink like sailors :) Good luck, May you have fair winds and following seas. Captain Todd s/v Isabella
 
Jun 9, 2004
963
Hunter 40.5 Bayfield, WI
Brian, not low maintenance at all

in fact my DH (Darling Hubby) says I am very high maintenance. Between the clothes, the shoes, the hair, the makeup, the perfume, the manicures, the massages not to mention my monthly bill at Caribou and Starbucks...sigh, it adds up.
 
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