Naming a boat can be fun and bring out creativity, so how about renaming a second hand boat; Let’s see what to consider!

It would be wise not to make a hasty decision that may cause regret later; think of a name you can be proud of, easy to pronounce… something that speaks to you! Why not think about a favorite place, what kind of boat you have and the pleasure and adventure it will bring you?

What should you consider; Name a ship?

First think about safety!

Make the name easy to pronounce and pass on in times of emergency, your life could depend on it. You don’t want a name that could be misinterpreted or difficult to pronounce when calling you on the emergency radio. Complicated spelling can also cause confusion, especially when you use the phonetic alphabet to call the Coast Guard in a crisis.

Think feminine touch!

Ships are traditionally ‘she’, but you don’t have to go overboard with this. Many ships are named after a woman, perhaps something personal to the skipper. Too cute usually doesn’t work either.

avoiding clichés

Some names are very common and you see them repeatedly on different ships. When naming your boat, think outside the box and look for something original, personal and unique for your boat. Some of the commonly seen sailboats have been called ‘Cool Running’, ‘Keel Over’, ‘Ocean Runner’ and ‘Ocean Spirit’, ‘Wind Dancer and ‘Wind Breaker’ to name a few.

Rename a ship!

But what if you’ve bought a boat and you don’t even like to say the name out loud… It’s so horrible and inappropriate that it sticks in your throat when asked?

So how do I change it?

Nautical folklore is heavily shrouded in superstitions! One of the most famous superstitions is that if you change the name of your ship, the sea gods will get angry and curse it with bad luck forever. What if you don’t like a ship’s name, do you stick with it?

Mythology says that you can change a ship’s name without being cursed with bad luck, as long as you undergo a special renaming ceremony!

Superstition says that changing a ship’s name is equivalent to challenging the deities. According to myth, the name of each vessel is recorded in the Ledger of the Deep, which is the personal record book of Poseidon (the Greek god of the sea). To actually change a ship’s name, you must remove its original name from the ledger.

Pour champagne overboard to appease Neptune as she splashes some on the ship’s hull. An alternative is to break a bottle of champagne on the ship’s hull, so that both Neptune and the ship get their proper servings.

Then, while you’re surrounded by family and friends, name your boat like it’s the first time. This process is fraught with danger and lore, and getting it right is serious business. However, you should follow the tips below with a big pinch of (sea) salt!

Here’s a basic rundown for you to follow;

• Eliminate all traces of the old name. Obviously, only do this once you’ve formally changed the registry, but don’t bring anything on board under the new name until you’ve done so.
• Perform a ritual ceremony! See below.
• Offer a sacrifice: Champagne is the norm, but a little rum, red or white wine may do the trick, don’t forget to have enough for you and your friends.
• Attach the new name as soon as possible.

Neptune’s Purge Ceremony

“O mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture into your vast domain must pay homage, I implore you in your goodness to erase forever from your records and remember the name (here insert the old name of your ship) that has ceased to be an entity in your realm.

As proof of this, we present this ingot that bears his name to be corrupted through your powers and forever purged from the sea. (At this point, the prepared metal tag is dropped from the bow of the ship into the sea.)

In grateful acknowledgment of your bounty and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (Pour at least half the bottle of champagne into the sea from east to west. The rest can be passed among her guests.

Neptune Naming Ceremony

O mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the savage, faceless depths, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (Insert new vessel name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring that we your kind service according to our needs.

(Facing north, for a generous libation of champagne in a champagne flute and cast northward as you chant. Greater Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in pursuit of our rightful endeavors, always avoiding us the overwhelming scourge of your icy breath.

(Facing west, for the same amount of champagne and throwing yourself west while chanting. Great Zephyr, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in pursuit of our rightful endeavors, sparing us ever the scourge overwhelming of your wild breath.

(Facing east, repeat and dash to the east.) Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in pursuit of our rightful endeavors, sparing us ever the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath.

(Facing south, repeat, casting south.) Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in pursuit of our rightful endeavors, always sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your boiling breath.

Oh! Neptune, spirit God of great and small waters, on this ship, by your grace, allow all these sons and daughters to pass from the port of hail to the port of call, and on these sailing subjects make your sweet blessings fall.

“You who make the seas rage or lie down in sweet rest, please hear us sailors here, your servants of the flows. This ship, the captain, the crew, and all those who love the wind and the seas, they will follow you wherever you go.”

Is this name change ceremony necessary?

It is completely up to you! Do people really do it? an absolute yes! As a joke or to have fun with this ceremony, traditional words and a good champagne. If nothing else it’s a good excuse for a party!