Naming Ceremony for a Boat

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.

Last Updated on August 26, 2021 by Amy

Although Starry Horizons was officially documented, she arrived into Miami with no name adorning her bow and stern.  The lettering was affixed in Miami, and we opted to christen her before she left on her next passage around to Palmetto.

Christening Ceremony for a Boat

Thankfully the 5,500 nm we’d sailed on her was fairly uneventful, but just to be sure, we attempted to appease the gods with a boat christening ceremony.

One lovely evening on the Miami River in February, we went out on the bow, armed with a (reasonably priced) bottle of sparkling wine.  The gods really lucked out, since neither of us are big drinkers, so most of the bottle went to the gods.

But, we did each have a glass and then started the ceremony.

“To Poseidon, 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, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as Starry Horizons, guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her safe and rapid passage through her journeys within your realm.  In appreciation of your benevolence, dispensation, and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.

To the mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels transverse the world and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel, Starry Horizons, the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministrations according to our needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And thus, you are named Starry Horizons!  Huzzah!”

Download the script here.

Watch the Video: Boat Naming Ceremony

Renaming Ceremony

Did you buy your boat used and it already came with a name? Sailors are a superstitious lot, so you need to make sure you properly rename your boat.

Start by removing absolutely EVERYTHING on your boat that has the old name on it. If you can’t (or don’t want to) remove it, you can erase or paint over the name. Tape over the name on your Ship’s Log, remove the old lettering from the bow, and don’t forget identifying labels on safety gear.

“To Poseidon, 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, implore you in your graciousness to strike from your records and recollection the name [insert name], which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom In appreciation of your benevolence, dispensation, and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.”

If you have something small with the boat’s old name on it (and not plastic) you may want to throw it overboard symbolically.

After the boat has been washed clean of the old name, start again at the top with the Naming Ceremony.