Christening a boat is a time-honored tradition that mariners have practiced throughout the ages. In essence, a captain of a just-launched ship would celebrate the occasion and ask for the gods’ blessings throughout the vessel’s journeys.
In the modern era, a boat’s christening ceremony covers brand-new vessels along with those that have had their former name removed. Here, let’s assume that you conducted a proper de-naming ceremony. After all, you wouldn’t want to invite potential disaster by ignoring that important step and simply applying the new name to the vessel’s hull.
Christening Your Boat: Setting the Stage
Like any worthwhile undertaking, being well prepared for the christening ceremony increases the odds that everything will go smoothly. First, invite several close friends and/or boating buddies to mark the occasion with you. Ensure that your boat is in the water, as tradition dictates that you make a short maiden voyage after the ceremony concludes.
Next, find a tree branch adorned with (live) green leaves, as that’s a symbol of safe returns to the harbor. You’ll place the leaves on the boat for the christening ceremony and maiden voyage, after which you can recycle them back into the woods.
Of course, you’ll need sufficient amounts of a good-quality libation. Ships’ captains traditionally sacrificed red wine to the wind and sea gods while keeping plenty available for a toast.
However, red wine can create hard-to-remove stains on a white fiberglass deck. For that reason, champagne is the go-to bubbly for boat christenings, although sparkling cider works equally well.
The Ceremony and the Celebration
A modern christening ceremony is short and sweet. First, say some glowing words about your boat. Maybe she sails well, has great accommodations, or makes a terrific fishing platform. Next, proclaim the boat’s brand-new name, and ask for protection during the vessel’s future voyages. If you’re a traditionalist, however, here’s the long-form version of a boat renaming ceremony.
Traditionally, you’d next break a bottle of good champagne over the ship’s bow, but that could cause chips in the fiberglass. Instead, break the bottle over the metal bow cleat, or simply pour the fizzy liquid onto the bow.
To wrap up the christening ceremony, share plenty of good bubbly with your friends. Now, it’s perfectly acceptable to bring your brand-new serving ware, sheets, cushions, logbook, and anything else with the new name aboard.
Protecting Your New Boat Name
Now that you’ve given your boat a suitable new name, consider protecting that boat name in your home port. As a Boat Name Registry (or BNR) member, you can do that with a few clicks. Now, no other boat will be allowed to register that identical name in your home port. You’ll also receive several other important benefits.
As an added bonus, BNR recently announced a partnership with Boat/US. When a Boat/US member joins BNR as a VIP member, they’ll receive an impressive 25 percent savings off their first year’s membership. To claim your boat name, and enjoy this good value, simply click here.
