Thank you to all those who responded to the last survey question: Would you rename your boat? 80% of respondents say they would or have already renamed a boat. Of those 54% said they performed a renaming or christening ceremony. The comments were insightful, read a selection of them here.
-Not superstitious, but tradition is fun to follow.
-Renaming was a party. Only seemed natural that Neptune should get a share.
-Always a good reason for a party
-I’m not too superstitious… but my wife…
-Please remember that Francis Drake renamed his Pelican to Golden Hind halfway through his voyage and only then had any success in taking Spanish treasure. Hardly could be called bad luck.
-New sail cat- did the naming ceremony. Sold her 4 yrs later- not so happy with construction. Bought used power cat and renamed- no ceremony. So far so good!
-We offered a shot of rum to Neptune when we renamed the boat and sailed her for 10 years with no problems and created many great memories.
-I would only rename a boat if I felt the boat had been insulted by the previous owner with the silly name it was given. I have only renamed a boat twice out the 16 boats I’ve owned over the past 51 years… and yes I won’t leave on a trip on a Friday either !! LOL
-Got to please Neptune.
-Might keep the name if I liked it–if not I’d change to something relevant to me–not someone else. And I’m NOT superstitious!
-I experienced the curse of renaming a boat which after having no problems for 5 years had every system fail the year following the renaming. Batteries failed, then the generator burned out and main sail was destroyed. Water pumps, refrigeration and air conditioning also went and needed replacing. These were maintained well and according to schedules. Just freaky events and accidents were the primary cause or was it a curse?
-In spite of following renaming protocols and superstition, I had some bad luck with my renamed boat. I chose a new boat with a name that was acceptable.
–Also, performed the denaming ceremony when we removed the old name and before applying the new name.
-Getting ready to rename my second boat. Recommendation: don’t name a boat where most everyone has to ask what it means.
-Cost me 3 bottles of rum but we had a great party and we have the name we wanted.
-Leaving port on a Friday? That’s a different situation and not advised 🙂
-We did not make a big deal about it with others, but we did provide a bit of champagne to Neptune as we renamed her.
-I do not believe in VOO DOO, but I love my boat!
-We think Neptune is in touch with changing times and enjoys an occasional bubbly. Would much rather party with Neptune than sail a yacht named Assassin, or Never Again, or Rogue Wave!
-Boats are too personal to stick with the name the previous owner gave her.
-There are different kinds of renaming parties. With a group of friends find the craziest one and have fun.
-Renaming a boat destroys its history.
-Some names are just too ridiculous. Four Play and Fast Lane just didn’t work for us and we changed them. On the other hand, wouldn’t dream of changing Reward after sixty years on the stern.
-It brings bad luck to be superstitious.
-You must be careful, don’t tempt the gods.
-I’ve renamed every vessel I’ve purchased used. I guess I’m not superstitious … no evils have resulted.
-I would have liked to change the boat name to Wind Bag but my wife would not let me…!
-The ceremony is imperative to a successful renaming.
-Renaming ceremony is a must lest you upset King Neptune. Never agitate King Neptune.
– You have to do it properly with a renaming ceremony to keep Murphy of Murphy’s Law away from the boat!!
-Not a “renaming ceremony” but maybe a new christening ceremony.
-Since I renamed the boat it’s transmission failed and the boat was hit by lightning. I sure the renaming had nothing to do with that.
-All depending on the name – if it is “acceptable” keep it, if horrible, rename it.
-Not out of superstition, but more of an “excuse” to celebrate a new boat with friends and dockmates.
-We renamed our second cruising boat with a fun ceremony. We were accompanied by cruisers from Ireland, Marshall Islands and Canada. Lots of champagne shared with Neptune and the gods of the 4 winds!