EP 50: Renaming Ceremonies!

Episode #050: Your Pocket Sailing Instructor Podcast A Renaming Ceremony!

It is kinda appropriate at 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.

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Here is my most recent episode:

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!

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