I'm looking for some help on this one. It's been about 30 years since I last named a sailboat and was looking for the traditional protocol on Christening. I'm not renaming a boat - she's new. I want to go the traditional route with this having total repect for the seas. Thanks in advance for your help. Regards, JonBill
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Best place to look
Do an archive search for Vigor's ceremony - I suspect it will answer all your questions.
Do an archive search for Vigor's ceremony - I suspect it will answer all your questions.
Bob - Not Re-Naming - But Thanks Anyway
Bob, I checked out Vigior's - and it appears this deals with renaming. I'm not renaming anything. So I still need some advice on this one. Am still looking for a traditional protocol on Christening (naming) of a sailboat.
Bob, I checked out Vigior's - and it appears this deals with renaming. I'm not renaming anything. So I still need some advice on this one. Am still looking for a traditional protocol on Christening (naming) of a sailboat.
Naming ceremony words:
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 take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (Here insert the new name you have chosen), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East. ) Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (Insert your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs. (Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone: ) Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath. (Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning: ) Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath. (Facing east, repeat and fling to the East. ) Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath. (Facing south, repeat, flinging to the South. ) Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.
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 take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (Here insert the new name you have chosen), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East. ) Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (Insert your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs. (Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone: ) Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath. (Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning: ) Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath. (Facing east, repeat and fling to the East. ) Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath. (Facing south, repeat, flinging to the South. ) Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.
This is no trivial matter.
Try this link: http://www.boatus.com/news/namegame.htm Also, one thing I have learned is to run your proposed name by those at your local nautical pub to see what perverse things get done to it. This may make you think twice about your chosen name. Morning Star becomes Morning Sickness, Breathless becomes Breastless and so on. One beautiful boat I know was named Assuager, meaning something that is soothing. What was done with that name is a true testament to perverse creativity. It doesn't matter at the bar how one actually spells auger.
Try this link: http://www.boatus.com/news/namegame.htm Also, one thing I have learned is to run your proposed name by those at your local nautical pub to see what perverse things get done to it. This may make you think twice about your chosen name. Morning Star becomes Morning Sickness, Breathless becomes Breastless and so on. One beautiful boat I know was named Assuager, meaning something that is soothing. What was done with that name is a true testament to perverse creativity. It doesn't matter at the bar how one actually spells auger.
Accidental Rename
Higgs, You're post made me laugh, and made me think of one of the boats at our marina. The "Sea Horse" was a nice boat, but was not well cared for by the previous owner. By the time the current owners bought her, the s and e and fallen off the transom. They decided to keep the name. There's another boat with a drawing on the transom of a boat with a strong wind behind her. The picture makes the name "Blow Me" seem a little less offensive. I'm still waiting to hear VHF communications between the two boats. I think it'll make an interesting transmission.
Higgs, You're post made me laugh, and made me think of one of the boats at our marina. The "Sea Horse" was a nice boat, but was not well cared for by the previous owner. By the time the current owners bought her, the s and e and fallen off the transom. They decided to keep the name. There's another boat with a drawing on the transom of a boat with a strong wind behind her. The picture makes the name "Blow Me" seem a little less offensive. I'm still waiting to hear VHF communications between the two boats. I think it'll make an interesting transmission.
Champagne Question
The nameing/renameing ceremonies I have read always include the use of champagne while asking the 'ancient' gods for their permission and blessings. The use of sparkling wines does not go back much further than the 15th century AD. Also have another problem in that champagne technically refers to the wines produced in the Champagne area of France. So, how did the seamen of old know about Champagne and how did they aquire it? Maybe a good quality wine would suffice ( not Ripple, Mad Dog or Thunderbird). Or, the more red neck thing to do would be the use of beer, it too is a very old beverage. But make it a good beer. Dont take this too serious, its all in fun. Just drink for thought.
The nameing/renameing ceremonies I have read always include the use of champagne while asking the 'ancient' gods for their permission and blessings. The use of sparkling wines does not go back much further than the 15th century AD. Also have another problem in that champagne technically refers to the wines produced in the Champagne area of France. So, how did the seamen of old know about Champagne and how did they aquire it? Maybe a good quality wine would suffice ( not Ripple, Mad Dog or Thunderbird). Or, the more red neck thing to do would be the use of beer, it too is a very old beverage. But make it a good beer. Dont take this too serious, its all in fun. Just drink for thought.
110%, 135%, or 150% bottle of beer? nm.
Do they make 150% beers? Yep, one of those Fosters in the oil can looking cans should do.
Do they make 150% beers? Yep, one of those Fosters in the oil can looking cans should do.
Thanks for the response.
Your responses made for some entertaining reading, but I think I'm going with the BoatUS Magazine article March 2001 Christening Ceremony which I was previously aware and will adapt it to my faith. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel!" As far as the name we're definitely playing it safe - these being more patriotic times and all. Regards, JonBill
Your responses made for some entertaining reading, but I think I'm going with the BoatUS Magazine article March 2001 Christening Ceremony which I was previously aware and will adapt it to my faith. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel!" As far as the name we're definitely playing it safe - these being more patriotic times and all. Regards, JonBill
Oh oh - another disagreement raises it ugly head
Kevin, Great post! Would not a 150% beer be 18 0z. That of course is, if a 100% is 12 oz. I think we need to establish the base line on this. This might then make those Fosters actually something like a 200%. Another thing not to forget in the ceremony are "vessel" virgins.
Kevin, Great post! Would not a 150% beer be 18 0z. That of course is, if a 100% is 12 oz. I think we need to establish the base line on this. This might then make those Fosters actually something like a 200%. Another thing not to forget in the ceremony are "vessel" virgins.
Great Subject
I pulled this up this morning, and have been waiting all day to read the answers. Boat names are personal. For me, it isn't my boat until she is christened with a new name. David
I pulled this up this morning, and have been waiting all day to read the answers. Boat names are personal. For me, it isn't my boat until she is christened with a new name. David
JonBill...a QUESTION FOR YOU ??
JonBill...sounds like you have a new boat, if so, WHAT did youall BUY ?? I had the same problem in naming my MAC-X, the former owner never named it: So I made two aluminum plats, attached them to the BOW PULPIT with our LAST NAME ON THEM..."how bout that for ORIGINALITY" ?? Looks great too...the lettering is "reflective"...too...real nice !! I got the idea of the Bow Pulpit display from our MARINA, where some real nice boats have their TX numbers on nice mountings on the BOW PULPIT...sure looks good ... some with ENGRAVED varnished wood...I like this idea because it prevents sticking lettering on the HULL which is so difficult to remove eventually. Happy Sailing !!
JonBill...sounds like you have a new boat, if so, WHAT did youall BUY ?? I had the same problem in naming my MAC-X, the former owner never named it: So I made two aluminum plats, attached them to the BOW PULPIT with our LAST NAME ON THEM..."how bout that for ORIGINALITY" ?? Looks great too...the lettering is "reflective"...too...real nice !! I got the idea of the Bow Pulpit display from our MARINA, where some real nice boats have their TX numbers on nice mountings on the BOW PULPIT...sure looks good ... some with ENGRAVED varnished wood...I like this idea because it prevents sticking lettering on the HULL which is so difficult to remove eventually. Happy Sailing !!
Sailboat Naming
David, I agree that boat names are personal. However some of the more colorful characters that ply this board have given us some things to think about regarding the naming and the process. 30 years ago when cruising the name of my boat was "Ocean Gypsy". But today we're going with a more patriotic theme, especially since we don't venture out beyond the barrier islands anymore and our oldest son made it home from Iraq recently in one piece. Regards, JonBill
David, I agree that boat names are personal. However some of the more colorful characters that ply this board have given us some things to think about regarding the naming and the process. 30 years ago when cruising the name of my boat was "Ocean Gypsy". But today we're going with a more patriotic theme, especially since we don't venture out beyond the barrier islands anymore and our oldest son made it home from Iraq recently in one piece. Regards, JonBill
A renaming story
When I was looking to rename my boat 3 years ago I did a search on the internet and got all kinds of info on the subject and found this story from a sail mag.;D Renaming a boat We purchased our current boat, a 43 foot motorsailer built in 1953 some years ago. It was an unfinished project with an interesting history and a name we didn’t like- Aqualass. Easy solution: change the name. Dire warnings of ill fortune and peril at sea should we foolish enough to proceed with our plan came at us from all directions. An old salt ,wiry of eyebrow and rheumy of eye, advised that Neptune would approve the name change if we could “find a maiden and got her to pee in the bilge.” Scouring the New Zealand country side ,we eventually did find a maiden. But we wondered if she would pee in the bilge. Not likely. Because we had chosen a masculine name for the boat ,and necessity being the mother of invention, we called upon our 16 year old son to confirm his virginal status before getting him to pee in the bilge. Following the job we enjoyed a few celebratory bottles of champagne; the 16 year old got to borrow the car on Saturday night .I am pleased to report that our boat, Jackson, has been a contented ship ever since. author Glenda Moore
When I was looking to rename my boat 3 years ago I did a search on the internet and got all kinds of info on the subject and found this story from a sail mag.;D Renaming a boat We purchased our current boat, a 43 foot motorsailer built in 1953 some years ago. It was an unfinished project with an interesting history and a name we didn’t like- Aqualass. Easy solution: change the name. Dire warnings of ill fortune and peril at sea should we foolish enough to proceed with our plan came at us from all directions. An old salt ,wiry of eyebrow and rheumy of eye, advised that Neptune would approve the name change if we could “find a maiden and got her to pee in the bilge.” Scouring the New Zealand country side ,we eventually did find a maiden. But we wondered if she would pee in the bilge. Not likely. Because we had chosen a masculine name for the boat ,and necessity being the mother of invention, we called upon our 16 year old son to confirm his virginal status before getting him to pee in the bilge. Following the job we enjoyed a few celebratory bottles of champagne; the 16 year old got to borrow the car on Saturday night .I am pleased to report that our boat, Jackson, has been a contented ship ever since. author Glenda Moore
Same Boat - Never Named
Louis, Same boat I bought new two years ago only just never got around to naming her. I've had a lot of weird stuff happen too, so you name it and it's happened and it's not like I'm a novice sailor. Told the wife we got to name this boat to keep from having to deal with more 'weird stuff'. I'm sure after a proper christening she'll go smartly. That gives me a thought. Maybe we should call her "Weird Stuff" instead of the more patriotic name we was thinking. A name like 'Weird Stuff' has some benefits as there isn't much worse can be made of a name like that. Nope because to do that constitutes renaming and she'd have to go through the denaming, renaming ceremony as I've already promised her the other name. Besides what the people at the bar say don't concern me, it's the people at the church I'm worried about; and they would have a good yarn over too much 'Weird Stuff' going on. Oh well just a thought! Regards, JonBill
Louis, Same boat I bought new two years ago only just never got around to naming her. I've had a lot of weird stuff happen too, so you name it and it's happened and it's not like I'm a novice sailor. Told the wife we got to name this boat to keep from having to deal with more 'weird stuff'. I'm sure after a proper christening she'll go smartly. That gives me a thought. Maybe we should call her "Weird Stuff" instead of the more patriotic name we was thinking. A name like 'Weird Stuff' has some benefits as there isn't much worse can be made of a name like that. Nope because to do that constitutes renaming and she'd have to go through the denaming, renaming ceremony as I've already promised her the other name. Besides what the people at the bar say don't concern me, it's the people at the church I'm worried about; and they would have a good yarn over too much 'Weird Stuff' going on. Oh well just a thought! Regards, JonBill
Name Game
Jonbill, Great thread and amusing entrys here, cannot pick one for the prize. All you swabs do know that it IS indeed bad luck to re-name a vessel? Or step a mast without a coin, bring a woman aboard, hand another mate a knife, shoot an albatross etc... You can get the thin-glass bottles for christening from fine chandlerys everywhere too.
Jonbill, Great thread and amusing entrys here, cannot pick one for the prize. All you swabs do know that it IS indeed bad luck to re-name a vessel? Or step a mast without a coin, bring a woman aboard, hand another mate a knife, shoot an albatross etc... You can get the thin-glass bottles for christening from fine chandlerys everywhere too.
Capt Ron - We are pleased to accept!
Capt Ron, Thanks for the encouragement! I wasn’t aware that you periodically bestowed gifts upon the originator of the threads that you deemed as most entertaining. If you do deem this one sufficiently humorous for such a prestigious award, please permit me to suggest that a bottle of your finest champagne contained in an easily breakable bottle would be most appreciated. And needless to say would be put to good use on the Christening of a fine vessel that so far remains nameless. How befitting of a thought to just occur, in that New Years Eve is fast approaching, it would make for the most excellent dual occasion to Christen her -- “Liberty”. “For where there is ‘Liberty’ there is the Spirit of God!” And hopefully a whole lot less of weird stuff a-happin’n aboard. Kindest Regards, JonBill
Capt Ron, Thanks for the encouragement! I wasn’t aware that you periodically bestowed gifts upon the originator of the threads that you deemed as most entertaining. If you do deem this one sufficiently humorous for such a prestigious award, please permit me to suggest that a bottle of your finest champagne contained in an easily breakable bottle would be most appreciated. And needless to say would be put to good use on the Christening of a fine vessel that so far remains nameless. How befitting of a thought to just occur, in that New Years Eve is fast approaching, it would make for the most excellent dual occasion to Christen her -- “Liberty”. “For where there is ‘Liberty’ there is the Spirit of God!” And hopefully a whole lot less of weird stuff a-happin’n aboard. Kindest Regards, JonBill
Naming/re-naming
Had to re-name my 29'-0" Seafarer, to "Bullfrog" and the dink to Ribitt, kind of juvinile but it fits, Fair Winds, Jeremiah
Had to re-name my 29'-0" Seafarer, to "Bullfrog" and the dink to Ribitt, kind of juvinile but it fits, Fair Winds, Jeremiah
Good Idea..JonBill..
"Where the Spririt of God is, there is 'LIBERTY'", << Sounds Great ! And have "personalized" items on board referenced with: 2-COR 3:17 (Adds Sacredness, Recognition, and Respect to the ONE in charge of BLESSINGs...and GUESTs realize also the ONE getting the real HONOR) ! Happy Sailing to you & yours aboard the "LIBERTY" or what ever name you eventually Christen Her
"Where the Spririt of God is, there is 'LIBERTY'", << Sounds Great ! And have "personalized" items on board referenced with: 2-COR 3:17 (Adds Sacredness, Recognition, and Respect to the ONE in charge of BLESSINGs...and GUESTs realize also the ONE getting the real HONOR) ! Happy Sailing to you & yours aboard the "LIBERTY" or what ever name you eventually Christen Her
Louis - Thanks for the reminder
Louis, Thanks for reminding me where that verse was - I was looking for it the other day and couldn't find it. BTW have you ever read the account of Paul's sailing trip to Rome in Acts 27? I first read it over 30 years ago while sailing off Puerto Rico. When I first read it I could tell as a sailor that it was a factual account of an open water sailboat crossing to Italy. This was when I first realized that the Bible was both God's revelation to man as well as an historical document of immeasurable worth. kind Regards, JonBill
Louis, Thanks for reminding me where that verse was - I was looking for it the other day and couldn't find it. BTW have you ever read the account of Paul's sailing trip to Rome in Acts 27? I first read it over 30 years ago while sailing off Puerto Rico. When I first read it I could tell as a sailor that it was a factual account of an open water sailboat crossing to Italy. This was when I first realized that the Bible was both God's revelation to man as well as an historical document of immeasurable worth. kind Regards, JonBill
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