Ritual for Renaming Boats

RSKARAM@aol.com
Wed, 2 Sep 1998 17:07:03 EDT


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
While going through my computer today I finally located the appropriate
ritual for de-naming and renaming a boat.
It's not unlucky to change the name of a boat, provided certain rules are
followed, including the holding of a little known interdenominational de-
naming ceremony. The first requirement is to remove the old name from
everything on board. Take the old log book ashore. Check for offending books
and charts with the name inscribed. Be ruthless. Sand away the old name from
the transom, topsides, and dinghy. Painting over it is not sufficient.
Remove and replace a name carved into wood or, at the very minimum, fill with
putty and paint over. Concoct your own ceremony, to be performed with or
without spectators. Make it short, sweet, and simple. The elements of the
ceremony are twofold: a supplication and a libation. Address directly the
gods of the wind (Aeolus), sea (Neptune), and any others you want, and ask
them to strike from their records the old name of the boat. Then pray their
indulgence in extending their good will and protection to the vessel in her
new name, which will be revealed in a separate naming ceremony to come. Do
not mention the new name. Then, without further words, pour a libation of
champagne, the best you can afford, over the bows. Be generous. You may
drink some yourself, and offer some to your guests, if any, but don't be mean
with the gods' portion or you'll regret it. And unless you're absolutely bent
on self-destruction, don't use a cheap substitute for real champagne.
Remember, the champagne represents the blood sacrifice of the ancients. It
saves you from having to slaughter your favorite virgin, so don't stint on the
practice. Immediately thereafter, or at any interval to suit yourself, you
may conduct a normal naming ceremony as if she were a brand new vessel. And
yes, since blood sacrifice is no longer encouraged or even tolerated, you do
need another, fresh bottle of champagne. Real champagne.
I have changed the name of a boat in this way with great success. I
recommend it to you without hesitation.
Richard S. Karam
P-15 #2098 (Yet to be named.)
Oklahoma City