Christening your boat is a nautical tradition that’s thousands of years old. In fact, virtually every seagoing culture has adopted its own version of a boat naming ceremony. Whether you’re christening a canoe, a cruising sailboat, or a motor yacht, the ceremony will be largely the same. In fact, similar guidelines apply when you christen a ship. View these useful suggestions for christening your boat, and access a more traditional boat naming ceremony geared to nautical purists.

Boat Christening Parties: Greek and Roman Style

Not surprisingly, the ancient Greeks and Romans had elaborate boat-christening rituals that turned into extended parties. These festive events included plenty of toasts, speeches, and prayers to the gods.

According to historical accounts, boat owners from both cultures named their boats after one of their religion’s deities. This practice was designed to honor the god and to hopefully protect the boat (and the sailors) from danger on the high seas.

As the excitement grew to a fevered pitch, the boat owners christened the ready-to-launch boat with a generous quantity of wine. This practice was also intended as an offering to the gods.  

Christening Your Boat: Setting the Stage

Today’s boat christenings are a bit more relaxed, and a few traditions have changed. For example, champagne is generally used to christen a boat, rather than the traditional red wine that’s now taboo on most fiberglass boats. Sparkling cider is also an option. In addition, a woman now conducts the boat’s christening ceremony. In essence, she becomes the vessel’s sponsor or godmother.

Schedule the christening ceremony on a day when your friends can attend. This generally means a Saturday or a Sunday. Of course, weekdays after work are another option, especially if you’d like to invite your workmates to this enjoyable event. Be aware that certain days are considered unlucky for religious reasons.

Because a christening ceremony is generally followed by a brief maiden voyage, ensure that the boat is in the water before the ceremony begins. Somehow, a christening ceremony in the marina’s storage yard just doesn’t have the same cachet.

Christening Your Boat: Assembling the Components

You’ll need a few easy-to-obtain supplies for your boat christening ceremony. First, find a tree branch overflowing with green leaves. The leaves symbolize your safe passage and return. Note: The leaves must only be on the boat for its christening and maiden voyage.

If you would rather not spray shattered glass all over the boat, purchase a pre-scored champagne bottle with its own containment bag. Buy enough champagne, red wine, or sparkling cider to share with your friends.

Even if you’re not the literary type, your boat deserves some kind words. Take time to craft a short poem, or write a short paragraph, about the boat and the adventures you hope to enjoy aboard. Choose a heartfelt and inspiring tone, if you like. Or, cause your friends to dissolve with laughter at the images you conjure up in their minds.

Before you can pen those words, however, sift through your list of cool boat names to find the one that matches your personality. Or, browse through the lists of good boat names on the Internet. Once you find the perfect fit, get that boat lettering on your boat’s hull before the christening ceremony.

Note to developer: Please note the bolded link text cool boat names. Link to the post called “5 Tips for Choosing the Right Boat Name” when that post goes live.

Christen a Boat: The Short-but-Sweet Ceremony  

While the Greeks and Romans stretched out their boat-naming ceremonies for hours, modern christening ceremonies only last a few minutes. When the weather’s unfavorable, or your friends’ busy schedules mean they’re only available for a short time, this condensed version is a good option.

First, you’ll say a few inspiring words about the boat. If you’re not sure what to say, look to the boat for guidance. When christening a sailboat, for example, think about sailing through the waves or reaching distant shores. For a fishing boat, visualize yourself reeling in impressive-looking catches.

Next, lead a toast to the boat’s name. Tradition says you should then break a bottle of champagne against the boat’s bow (a metal cleat or bow roller is preferred). However, it’s acceptable to pour the contents over the bow instead.

Tradition also says that a woman should do the honors. Specifically, she should say, “I christen thee [boat name]” while your friends clap, cheer, and snap photos with their phones.

Traditional Boat Christening Ceremony

If you’d prefer to christen a boat using a traditional boat naming ceremony, brush up on your nautical language. Prepare to invoke the gods of the wind and the sea as you fling champagne in various directions. Of course, the end result is the same: a festive celebration with friends and a short maiden voyage with your newly christened vessel.

Now that you’ve christened your boat, and shared the vessel’s special name with your friends, consider registering that boat name with Boat Name Registry (BNR). We invite you to learn about the benefits of becoming a BNR member.