It can be a struggle “to find your perfect vessel“. I say, “You will know when the right one comes along,” just like you did with your forever home or partner. The classic mariner’s joke, “The two best days in a boat owner’s life are the day they buy a boat, and the day they sell it.”When to buy is a very personal decision! Just as the condition, location, make, model, and price. Generally speaking, there’s usually a listing surge upon seasonal commencement in the Spring and after the last Summer holiday, Labor Day. Sellers will strive to avoid winter maintenance and storage fees. Buyers tend to seek a great deal but usually struggle with the inability to use the vessel and winter costs, kinda like buying a convertible car in Alaska during peak winter months. Only you can decide what works best for you! Whenever you decide to purchase your “new to us” vessel. You should perform the time-honored tradition, “Naming Ceremony.”
The myth of Poseidon, the late Olympian God of the Sea, presiding over drought, earthquakes, floods, horses, and storms. Became the Guardian of many cities and colonies and protector of seafarers. Poseidon has made several appearances in books, comics, films, and video games, usually identified as a muscular bearded man with a three-prong spear, often surrounded by dolphins or horses.
Vessel Renaming Ceremony Requires:
- Removal of the Vessel’s Current Name
- Purging Ceremony
- Renaming Ceremony
- Appease the Four Wind Gods
Purging Ceremony
“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, I implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name “(insert old boat name),” which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As your proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea”.Drop the metal tag over the bow into the water and then say, “In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court”.
Pour at least half the champagne into the water, from east to west. Toast a glass for yourselves!
Renaming Ceremony
“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, I implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as “(insert new boat name),” 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”.
Pour at least half the champagne into the water in the opposite direction from west to east. Toast a glass for yourselves.
Appease to the Four Wind Gods: Boreas, Zephyrus, Eurus & Notus
“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 new boat name),” the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.”
Next, we will speak with each wind god individually! (Face North, pour champagne into a flute, and toss the libation to the North while saying) “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.”
(Face West, pour champagne into a flute and toss the libation to the West while saying)
“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”.
(Face East, pour champagne into a flute, and toss the libation to the East while saying)
“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”.
(Face South, pour champagne into a flute, and toss the libation to the South while saying)
“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”.
Tips
- If you’re struggling with naming your vessel, several name-generator Apps can assist you. Often, the name has a story and has a very personal meaning.
- Keep the transom’s new vessel name covered until the ceremony is completed.
- Purchase a quality Champagne for your consumption and an inexpensive bottle to shake over the bow.
- Select a date and invite your witnesses, whether family or friends.
When we sold (FSBO) our last vessel, 35′ Regal Sport Coupe (M/V Silver Lining) we were surprised to learn from the Buyers that they never heard of this tradition, regardless of their years of boating.
The “superstitious” do not tempt fate!
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