No Change
No bad luck = good luck for me. The ceremony was compleated to include a branch of green.
No bad luck = good luck for me. The ceremony was compleated to include a branch of green.
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Off with the old, On with the new.
In the year preceding the boat purchase I lost my Father and my dog and my new house and property to a fraudulant woman. I maintained with a positive attitude and new black pug named Otis. One year after my Fathers death we celebrated his life and bought a 97 MacGregor 26X. Without knowing how to sail, we went out on the San Fransisco bay to do 2 things. Get closure and name the sailboat. She is now known as Otis-Sea and my Father, I'm sure enjoyed our celebration of his life. Keep the celebration of life alive and be cautious to sail a long time.
In the year preceding the boat purchase I lost my Father and my dog and my new house and property to a fraudulant woman. I maintained with a positive attitude and new black pug named Otis. One year after my Fathers death we celebrated his life and bought a 97 MacGregor 26X. Without knowing how to sail, we went out on the San Fransisco bay to do 2 things. Get closure and name the sailboat. She is now known as Otis-Sea and my Father, I'm sure enjoyed our celebration of his life. Keep the celebration of life alive and be cautious to sail a long time.
Nonsense
Nonsense, born and bed in Europe, we can change ship's name as we can change from woman.
Nonsense, born and bed in Europe, we can change ship's name as we can change from woman.
It's Gotta Be Done the Right Way
When we bought our Catalina 27, it's name was not what we had in mind. So, before launching for the first time last Spring, we took off the old name, and put on the new name. And, because when it comes to boats we are somewhat superstitous, so when we put the mast up, we put a penny under it. Before that first sail with her, we motored over to our slip, finished rigging and gathered our friends around. Steve read a script we found on the internet indicating to the sea gods that we were changing the name of our boat to BOONDOGGLE, and asked for the sea god's blessings for fair winds and following seas. Now keep in mind that the sea god's appreciate good drink... so our friends bought two bottles of very fine champagne.(nice friends)!! One to bless the boat, the other for us to toast BOONDOGGLE with. This has been the best boat ever, no bad luck of any kind. Just great sailing on a great boat with great friends!
When we bought our Catalina 27, it's name was not what we had in mind. So, before launching for the first time last Spring, we took off the old name, and put on the new name. And, because when it comes to boats we are somewhat superstitous, so when we put the mast up, we put a penny under it. Before that first sail with her, we motored over to our slip, finished rigging and gathered our friends around. Steve read a script we found on the internet indicating to the sea gods that we were changing the name of our boat to BOONDOGGLE, and asked for the sea god's blessings for fair winds and following seas. Now keep in mind that the sea god's appreciate good drink... so our friends bought two bottles of very fine champagne.(nice friends)!! One to bless the boat, the other for us to toast BOONDOGGLE with. This has been the best boat ever, no bad luck of any kind. Just great sailing on a great boat with great friends!
Help eliminate name changes.
In order to help eliminate name changes I have opted to never-ever-ever-never name a boat after a wife. If you get a new one (not a boat) you know that the new one is going to DEMAND that the name get changed. I have had experience. I suggest that you name it after some inane thing or maybe a daughter (like s/v Heather Marie). I will never need to change the name of my boat and the new one does not care either! If you purchased a boat that has a name that you prefer not to use or made "a mistake", I suggest that you follow the renaming ceremony. If will not hurt you and it gives you another excuse to tip one, or two, or.......
In order to help eliminate name changes I have opted to never-ever-ever-never name a boat after a wife. If you get a new one (not a boat) you know that the new one is going to DEMAND that the name get changed. I have had experience. I suggest that you name it after some inane thing or maybe a daughter (like s/v Heather Marie). I will never need to change the name of my boat and the new one does not care either! If you purchased a boat that has a name that you prefer not to use or made "a mistake", I suggest that you follow the renaming ceremony. If will not hurt you and it gives you another excuse to tip one, or two, or.......
Difinetly Nonsence
I go along with a name change with and a few beers but that is as far as it goes with this superstition thing. Many changes are made in life without a second thought and all of a sudden we change the letters on a boat and we have to have a ceremony. Makes no sense! Walking under a ladder, a black cat walks in front of you, Throw salt over your left shoulder for good luck are in the same category. The happenings on the water are things linked to our inexperence and being unprepared. I am going to change the color of our bedroom. Does that call for a ceremony - possibly???
I go along with a name change with and a few beers but that is as far as it goes with this superstition thing. Many changes are made in life without a second thought and all of a sudden we change the letters on a boat and we have to have a ceremony. Makes no sense! Walking under a ladder, a black cat walks in front of you, Throw salt over your left shoulder for good luck are in the same category. The happenings on the water are things linked to our inexperence and being unprepared. I am going to change the color of our bedroom. Does that call for a ceremony - possibly???
Not taking a chance
bought a boat that had a recent name change. The previous owner had his ow personal reasons for it. I e-mailed him questioning about how he had changed the name and if he had sailed her since the renaming. Right away he knew where I was coming from and told me he had not had a ceremony and that having the plaque with the previous name in the forward berth would not be a problem. I told him of my intentions of using the original name and not the new one. I also asked if that would be ok with him. He readily agreed with my decision and said he and his wife are so happy their old boat found a good home. Soon the plaque will go back to the transom and I plan to do a little ceremony on my first sail. I searched the internet and found the shipyard that built her. They were so happy to hear of her whereabouts and told me they had not heard of her since 1975 when she was sailed from Australian waters to Vancouver. I am sure the grandson of the original builder laughed when he saw my query about any warranties that may still be on a wooden boat built in 1948. He said he has mailed a copy of the original plans his grandfather used and said the half model had been lost for some time. I feel I am doing the right thing in changing her name back (or not changing it)as I have read that when there is a name change the old name must be totally erased from her and the old name must never be uttered. All life jackets, cups, hats, shirts, jackets or whatever will have to be tossed. Sailors have always been superstitious and drank rum and I can proudly say that I am a sailor! Here is a picture that Bill Wright sent of my boat:
bought a boat that had a recent name change. The previous owner had his ow personal reasons for it. I e-mailed him questioning about how he had changed the name and if he had sailed her since the renaming. Right away he knew where I was coming from and told me he had not had a ceremony and that having the plaque with the previous name in the forward berth would not be a problem. I told him of my intentions of using the original name and not the new one. I also asked if that would be ok with him. He readily agreed with my decision and said he and his wife are so happy their old boat found a good home. Soon the plaque will go back to the transom and I plan to do a little ceremony on my first sail. I searched the internet and found the shipyard that built her. They were so happy to hear of her whereabouts and told me they had not heard of her since 1975 when she was sailed from Australian waters to Vancouver. I am sure the grandson of the original builder laughed when he saw my query about any warranties that may still be on a wooden boat built in 1948. He said he has mailed a copy of the original plans his grandfather used and said the half model had been lost for some time. I feel I am doing the right thing in changing her name back (or not changing it)as I have read that when there is a name change the old name must be totally erased from her and the old name must never be uttered. All life jackets, cups, hats, shirts, jackets or whatever will have to be tossed. Sailors have always been superstitious and drank rum and I can proudly say that I am a sailor! Here is a picture that Bill Wright sent of my boat:
Balderdash!
I'm not superstitious, ( knock on wood ), but when I purchased my present boat, I had no qualms about changing the name. I didn't care much for the previous name. Bad luck? Consider I was berthed in Mobile, Al. this past year. In May I sailed the boat to St. Petersburg, Fl, before continuing on to the USVI's. Had I stayed in Mobile, I would have suffered damage from Ivan. As it was, I went through Charlie & Francis in ST. Pete. No damage. I had a better location pier-wise in Fl than I had in AL. So far the only recurring problem has been an anchor light that keeps breaking the filaments, sending me aloft at least once every couple of months. If it makes you feel good, or/and you need an excuse to uncork one or two, by all means have a ceremony. Let me know when though, I'm from Irish grandparents and the urge to celebrate anything at any time is strong. I can even bring some of the good spirits with me!
I'm not superstitious, ( knock on wood ), but when I purchased my present boat, I had no qualms about changing the name. I didn't care much for the previous name. Bad luck? Consider I was berthed in Mobile, Al. this past year. In May I sailed the boat to St. Petersburg, Fl, before continuing on to the USVI's. Had I stayed in Mobile, I would have suffered damage from Ivan. As it was, I went through Charlie & Francis in ST. Pete. No damage. I had a better location pier-wise in Fl than I had in AL. So far the only recurring problem has been an anchor light that keeps breaking the filaments, sending me aloft at least once every couple of months. If it makes you feel good, or/and you need an excuse to uncork one or two, by all means have a ceremony. Let me know when though, I'm from Irish grandparents and the urge to celebrate anything at any time is strong. I can even bring some of the good spirits with me!
Cool Name
When I first discovered my West Wight Potter 19 on the internet I thought it even had a cool name as part of the package. No way am I ever going to change Pierless's name. The Great Joo Joo Bees of Atlantis already know about me - they have seen me in action learning how to sail and apparently they have a great sense of humor.
When I first discovered my West Wight Potter 19 on the internet I thought it even had a cool name as part of the package. No way am I ever going to change Pierless's name. The Great Joo Joo Bees of Atlantis already know about me - they have seen me in action learning how to sail and apparently they have a great sense of humor.
Is it that dreadful?
I bought my Widgeon used a few years ago. I don't know if it already had a name or not. I named it the "Nixie," after a German name for a water sprite. Then I found that nixies were not cute little supernatural beings, but tricksters. After capsizing on a very gusty day, I changed the name to "Molly." I am not superstitious; I just didn;t want to honor a malevolent being, however imaginary.
I bought my Widgeon used a few years ago. I don't know if it already had a name or not. I named it the "Nixie," after a German name for a water sprite. Then I found that nixies were not cute little supernatural beings, but tricksters. After capsizing on a very gusty day, I changed the name to "Molly." I am not superstitious; I just didn;t want to honor a malevolent being, however imaginary.
Superstitions
Years ago, leaving gloucester harbor working on a fishing boat, my friend snapped a photo of me next to this boat. Superstitions are a form of instinct, and you shouldn't just dismiss them. Be safe, and smooth sailing.
Years ago, leaving gloucester harbor working on a fishing boat, my friend snapped a photo of me next to this boat. Superstitions are a form of instinct, and you shouldn't just dismiss them. Be safe, and smooth sailing.
Never miss a chance for a party
We have renamed two boats with no bad luck. We had a renaming ceremony each time. The last time we had it at the yacht club and invited three other new boat owners to have a joint renaming ceremony. We dressed ship with flags, bought a keg of beer and bottles of wine, invited everyone at the club to come down to the docks and celebrate with us. What a great time and when better to show off our new-to-us boats.
We have renamed two boats with no bad luck. We had a renaming ceremony each time. The last time we had it at the yacht club and invited three other new boat owners to have a joint renaming ceremony. We dressed ship with flags, bought a keg of beer and bottles of wine, invited everyone at the club to come down to the docks and celebrate with us. What a great time and when better to show off our new-to-us boats.
Which God are you trying to please?
I am trying to look at these posts as humorous, and nothing more, but it looks like some people really believe what they are writing about bad luck surrounding the renaming of a boat, and the required use of pagan renaming ceromonies to avoid upsetting the "gods of the sea" Perhaps some folks need to consider that they may be upsetting the real God.
I am trying to look at these posts as humorous, and nothing more, but it looks like some people really believe what they are writing about bad luck surrounding the renaming of a boat, and the required use of pagan renaming ceromonies to avoid upsetting the "gods of the sea" Perhaps some folks need to consider that they may be upsetting the real God.
Hi Fred,
Yes, we are here again. You know where I come from and I still respect your point of veiw. All others, it is in Sailboatowners.com archives. Spring to everyone and a great season, use it wisely! r.w.landau
Yes, we are here again. You know where I come from and I still respect your point of veiw. All others, it is in Sailboatowners.com archives. Spring to everyone and a great season, use it wisely! r.w.landau
response to a response
The real god........I recently lost my father to cancer and am glad I was able to talk to him before he died. I had not seen him for 10 years. He was busy with his religion and I with my work and 6 years ago my first sail boat. He never missed a meeting and I never missed an opportunity to sail. During his last days he was trying to get me to come back to the religion so that I can some day be in paradise. He and I were in his shop discussing his welder and enjoying being around cool tools and machinery.........aaarrrhg! It was there I told him that I felt he had spent his last 30 years preparing for death and paradise. “It’s here already, I’ve sailed to Canada, been in the ocean far from the sight of land.... It’s here already for us to enjoy” No the real god smiled when I woke up to hear fish jumping and saw the most beautiful sunrise from the middle of the Potomac river a couple miles from Colonial Beach. That was on a Sunday morning while my father was getting ready for church back home and I was cooking bacon and eggs on my little sailboat I had purchased a few months earlier. His preacher greeted him as he walked into the building among all of the congregation. I think god was with me as I lazily drifted with the current and the 5 knot wind, soaking up the warm spring sun quietly enjoying my solo trip back to my marina in a boat that I barely had a clue how to sail. When urged to come back to church I told my father that I had sailing now. When I told him this I feel he respected and maybe envied my new life. I will sail every Sunday I can and while the masses flock to church I will have the pleasure of feeling the real god’s smile as I enjoy the bounty of nature. The picture here is a sunset in NOva Scotia..Lunenburg harbor from a boat with a name that had not been changed by the owner even though he had no idea who Sarah Gamp was.
The real god........I recently lost my father to cancer and am glad I was able to talk to him before he died. I had not seen him for 10 years. He was busy with his religion and I with my work and 6 years ago my first sail boat. He never missed a meeting and I never missed an opportunity to sail. During his last days he was trying to get me to come back to the religion so that I can some day be in paradise. He and I were in his shop discussing his welder and enjoying being around cool tools and machinery.........aaarrrhg! It was there I told him that I felt he had spent his last 30 years preparing for death and paradise. “It’s here already, I’ve sailed to Canada, been in the ocean far from the sight of land.... It’s here already for us to enjoy” No the real god smiled when I woke up to hear fish jumping and saw the most beautiful sunrise from the middle of the Potomac river a couple miles from Colonial Beach. That was on a Sunday morning while my father was getting ready for church back home and I was cooking bacon and eggs on my little sailboat I had purchased a few months earlier. His preacher greeted him as he walked into the building among all of the congregation. I think god was with me as I lazily drifted with the current and the 5 knot wind, soaking up the warm spring sun quietly enjoying my solo trip back to my marina in a boat that I barely had a clue how to sail. When urged to come back to church I told my father that I had sailing now. When I told him this I feel he respected and maybe envied my new life. I will sail every Sunday I can and while the masses flock to church I will have the pleasure of feeling the real god’s smile as I enjoy the bounty of nature. The picture here is a sunset in NOva Scotia..Lunenburg harbor from a boat with a name that had not been changed by the owner even though he had no idea who Sarah Gamp was.
Just in case!
I changed the name of my boat, and while I did a little ceremony, just in case, I did everything except break a bottle over the bow! Thought Id drink it instead! I did the speech, etc. However because of the bottle sit. I put a small hanger with the original name inside. New name outside, old name inside! JUST IN CASE!
I changed the name of my boat, and while I did a little ceremony, just in case, I did everything except break a bottle over the bow! Thought Id drink it instead! I did the speech, etc. However because of the bottle sit. I put a small hanger with the original name inside. New name outside, old name inside! JUST IN CASE!
Only tempted
When you live in Texas and buy a sailboat from a guy in Colorado who named it "Tumbleweed", how can you mess with that?? And I recently inherited a small fishing boat from my dad who named it "Brown Eyes" after my mom. Now both of them are gone and there's no way I could change that name. I might be tempted if the names weren't right but not in this case. I just recently found out that bananas on a boat are bad luck so I'm still learning.
When you live in Texas and buy a sailboat from a guy in Colorado who named it "Tumbleweed", how can you mess with that?? And I recently inherited a small fishing boat from my dad who named it "Brown Eyes" after my mom. Now both of them are gone and there's no way I could change that name. I might be tempted if the names weren't right but not in this case. I just recently found out that bananas on a boat are bad luck so I'm still learning.
Another Way
When I re-named my boat, I sacrificed a chicken in the cabin: Ate a 3-piece dinner from KFC and drank a Bud. It worked.
When I re-named my boat, I sacrificed a chicken in the cabin: Ate a 3-piece dinner from KFC and drank a Bud. It worked.
procrastinator
I am the second owner of an 1996 Oceanis 281. The boat was not named by the original owners and I have not named it yet either. It's such a big step. Would love to hear suggestions. Help
I am the second owner of an 1996 Oceanis 281. The boat was not named by the original owners and I have not named it yet either. It's such a big step. Would love to hear suggestions. Help
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