One of the first things that many new boat owners – of previously loved boats – may do is rename the boat. In some cases, people will keep the old name, but more often than not, they will rename their new family member. This is what we decided to do, and after researching what we needed to do, we created this renaming ceremony (which included a de-naming ceremony).
Prior to renaming Aurelia Dawn, we had to remove all the references to the former name off the boat, and not bring any reference to the new name onto the boat until the renaming ceremony.
The ceremony took place on Sunday, March 1, 2020. A video is available (script is below to follow along)..
Ceremony for Boat Renaming
Each guest is to be provided a glass of champagne (at least ¾ full) to consume during the ceremony.
According to legend, each and every vessel is recorded by name in the Ledger of the Deep and is known personally to Poseidon, or Neptune, the god of the sea. It is logical, therefore, as we are changing the name of our boat, the first thing we must do is to purge its name from the Ledger of the Deep and from Poseidon’s memory.
Remove the box with all the old name items from the boat to the dock.
In this box, are the remains of all items from this boat bearing the old name.
Ring the boat’s bell three (3) times.
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, implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name [old name of boat] (previously also known as [old name of boat]) which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom.
As 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 from the bow of the boat into the water.
Strike through the name above with a black marker.
In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.
Pour at least half of the bottle of Champagne into the water from East to West. The remainder may be passed among your guests.
Guests take a sip of champagne to honor the removal of the name.
Next, we will call on the gods of the winds to protect this vessel with fair winds and smooth waters.
Ring the boat’s bell three (3) times.
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 the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.
Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone:
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.
Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning:
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.
Facing east, repeat and fling to the East.
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.
Facing south, repeat, flinging to the South.
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.
We will now call upon Poseidon to introduce this vessel to him bearing her new name, and ask him to enter the new name of this vessel in his Ledger of the Deep.
Poseidon, 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, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as [new name of the boat], 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.
At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East.
Ring the boat’s bell three (3) times.
Guests take a sip of champagne to honor Poseidon’s introduction to the vessel’s new name.
Unveil name on the transom. Unveil portrait.
And now, a toast to our friends who are here today, for those who will sail in the future on [new name of the boat].
Thank you toast…
Once the ceremony has been completed, you may bring aboard any and all items bearing the new name of your vessel.
There is an option to add the name of the boat prior to the ceremony, as long as the name is covered immediately and not displayed until after the ceremony is completed.