I know this topic has been covered many times over the years in many magazines, but I still have questions. We will be taking delivery of a new Hunter 340 this spring and want to christen it, Moonlight Bay, in the proper fashion. I know that the usual ceremony involves champagne, some for you, some for the boat, some for Neptune, some more for you, etc.. I just want to be sure that I am doing it the proper way, I don't want to omit/offend any of the God's/spirits that should be sought out for their blessing. There is lots written about what you need to do when you change the name of a boat, being that this is a new boat, is there more or less that needs to be done? We intend to keep this boat for a while, so I don't want any offended Gods or spirits hanging around with a score to settle. Comments/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
- Status
Check Chapman's
Chapman's always seems to have everything covered in their book. See if there's something there. Congratulations!
Chapman's always seems to have everything covered in their book. See if there's something there. Congratulations!
Prayer to the Sea Gods
We commissioned our 340 two summers ago. Poured some Champagne on the bow said a short prayer to the Sea Gods for fair winds then Liz and I consumed the rest. Have had fantastic sailing. It doesn't have to be complicated. Chris Festina Tarde Hull 107
We commissioned our 340 two summers ago. Poured some Champagne on the bow said a short prayer to the Sea Gods for fair winds then Liz and I consumed the rest. Have had fantastic sailing. It doesn't have to be complicated. Chris Festina Tarde Hull 107
here's one version
Use for naming ceremony, or renaming after a denaming ceremony: "I name this ship (name of your boat) and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her." Please place a penny under the mast after you name her. Please use good champagne for the christening, as well as for the imbibers. Fair winds, /c s/v Twilight, H410
Use for naming ceremony, or renaming after a denaming ceremony: "I name this ship (name of your boat) and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her." Please place a penny under the mast after you name her. Please use good champagne for the christening, as well as for the imbibers. Fair winds, /c s/v Twilight, H410
Escaping gods with grudges...
The last thing you do is pour a little champagne and toss some food into the water for any gods who are hanging around. Do this off the bow. Then, while they're scarfing it up, back up about 100'. If any of 'em intend to do you mischief, this confuses 'em...'cuz they'll be looking ahead for either the old name or none on your transom...they can't see it if it's out of sight behind 'em. So they won't know the boat back there is you, and you'll lose 'em.
Have fun with it...but it never hurts to include a serious moment during which a real prayer for the safety of the vessel and all who sail aboard her is offered. We like to christen boats on the water, not in a slip. A half dozen boats in a semi-circle, facing the "new baby." After the ceremony we find a spot to raft up for the night and party.
The last thing you do is pour a little champagne and toss some food into the water for any gods who are hanging around. Do this off the bow. Then, while they're scarfing it up, back up about 100'. If any of 'em intend to do you mischief, this confuses 'em...'cuz they'll be looking ahead for either the old name or none on your transom...they can't see it if it's out of sight behind 'em. So they won't know the boat back there is you, and you'll lose 'em.
Have fun with it...but it never hurts to include a serious moment during which a real prayer for the safety of the vessel and all who sail aboard her is offered. We like to christen boats on the water, not in a slip. A half dozen boats in a semi-circle, facing the "new baby." After the ceremony we find a spot to raft up for the night and party.- Status