I agree with Phil, this is NOT the place for this
And R.W. as much as a respect you and have always liked your posts (now that you mention it I realize I don't see you post as much anymore), I think you are way off base here. *box Its pretty simple, when you talk about boat rituals and superstitions, (not whistling when your sailing or whatever), then its just that -- something about SAILING and very unique to the history and traditions of our past time. A lot of things that are done on a boat over the centuries are superstitous and pagan rituals - its just the way it is. We all are just carrying on traditions (as silly as they might be) just like the correct way to fly a flag or a fly a burgee, which was a tradition set by some Yacht clubs in the mid 1800's. There is no scientific reason to do it, its just tradition and yeah its all in fun to carry on a tradition. But it was Tom M. (who I've also seen post good posts) that went beyond SAILING and traditions and superstions that are part of past time, by writing (and I quote) "I have to inject here that there IS a God out there, and it is his creation ....." Sorry Fellas but that is outright preaching and bringing organized religion to this board. I'm not saying I'm anti God or an athiest or anything, but if I want to get some of that I'll go to my local house of worship, I do not come to this board to get it and I'd rather it not be brought up, because then all its going to do is start into an argument (there is ALWAYS someone that won't agree with you, just like politics, etc) And as rude and intrusive Fred's post was (and can be) it wasn't any worse than the first one, and if the first one wasn't there, then Fred wouldn't have posted his. See the pattern here. The only valid rude and intrusive posts are the ones on how ugly your sailboat looks like
So if you want to discuss God and what we are here for go to www.sailboatownersforgod.com and keep the arguments on this board about the important things, like who's got the best boat, which is MINE !! ;D ps, Don't get me wrong, I like his ceremonial prayer and I like that he posted it on here as an alternative. BUT If Tom M didn't throw out that blantant preaching title (i.e. If you're serious, there IS a God) and skipped on his other rambling preachings (e.g. I will Christen (note the spelling) etc, etc....) And just talked about his particular ceremony (see below), and how it suited people less apt to a pagan ceremony and more towards todays traditional judeo/christian beliefs, then it would have gone over much better !! Trust me Actually its worth repeating again -- good christening ceremonial prayer (From the Navy Hymn) Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who biddest the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! O Father, King of earth and sea, We dedicate this ship to Thee. In faith we send her on her way; In faith to Thee we humbly pray: O hear from heaven our sailor’s cry And watch and guard her from on high!
