Renaming Ceremonies!

• Episode 050 Your Pocket Sailing Instructor podcast
• Released: April 20, 2023
• Duration: 24 min 46 sec

“I’m not saying sailors are superstitious, but if you’re going to rename your boat, you’d better have a proper ceremony, a little something for Neptune, and enough bubbly to keep everyone happy. After all, why tempt fate when you’re heading out to sea?” ~ Sailing According to Coach Penny

It is kinda appropriate that my 50th podcast episode is about performing a renaming ceremony! I did not rename Spindrift. However, I did have a welcome ceremony for her when she arrived in Nelson… here she is, crossing BOB (the Big Orange Bridge). An icon of Nelson, BC.

The Boat Purging Ceremony

Before your renaming ceremony, you need to purge ALL items from the boat that have the old name on them… think of any manuals, receipts, custom items, etc. Get rid of it all! Replace it with the new name. Once you have purged everything, you need to recite:

“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, I implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (mention the old boat name), 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. In grateful acknowledgement of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.”

Boat Renaming Ceremony

Now that you have determined your new name, gather some friends, win/rum, a branch of green and a poem. I wrote my own poem, or you could just recite something that you like. Again, you will need to recite the following during your renaming ceremony:

“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, I implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (your new boat name), 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.”

Then you will do an offering to the four winds:

Face north, throw some champagne out of your flute in that direction and say:

“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.”

Face west, repeating the champagne pour and toss while saying:

“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.”

Face east, repeating the champagne toss while saying:

“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.”

Face south, pouring the champagne and tossing it while reciting, you guessed it:

“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.”

My Poem from Spindrift

For my ceremony I decided to write a little poem from Spindrift to our family.

“Do not keep me tied to this mooring,

My lines strain to be free.

The water whispers at my hull,

I want to sail away with thee.

Let’s cast off on a great adventure,

There is so much for us to see.

Let’s feel the winds at our back and the sun in our faces.

Please cast my lines free.

Let’s cast off and explore some place new,

I need to heel and sail away with you.”

Listen to the full episode to hear the order of things! Happy renaming ceremony!

Cheers!

If you enjoyed this episode, you’ll love these too!

• Episode 089: They key decision every skipper must get right
• Episode 088: Why you still don’t feel confident sailing
• Episode 091: When things go sideways: Staying calm under pressure

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About Penny Caldwell

Penny Caldwell is a Canadian sailing educator, Sail Canada Instructor Evaluator, marine consultant, and host of the Your Pocket Sailing Instructor podcast. With nearly three decades of teaching experience—and nine seasons spent building and running the successful sailing school Sail Nelson—she has dedicated much of her career to helping people become safer, more capable, and more confident sailors.

She is passionate about helping sailors of all skill levels build confidence, develop practical seamanship skills, and enjoy a lifetime on the water. Through her articles, podcast, instructor development programs, consulting, and sailing adventures, Penny shares practical, real-world knowledge that makes sailing safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone.

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