Renaming a boat is part paperwork, part tradition and a very good excuse to gather friends on the dock. This ceremony is meant to be fun: remove traces of the former name, symbolically ask the sea to release it, announce the new name and toast the four winds.
Quick ceremony summary
- Remove every trace of the old name.
- Gather the ceremony supplies.
- Perform the purging ceremony.
- Perform the renaming ceremony.
- Appease the four wind gods.
- Toast the new name with your crew.
What you will need
- Sparkling wine or a nonalcoholic alternative, plus glasses
- Green leaves to symbolize safe returns
- A shell or reusable metal tag for the symbolic old name
- A water-soluble marker
- The old and new boat names written down for the reader
Step 1: Remove the old name
Before the ceremony, remove the former name from the hull, tender, decor, keychains and other visible places. Update paperwork and records as required, but do not destroy documents you need to retain. Keep the new lettering covered and wait to bring decorative items bearing the new name aboard until the ceremony is complete.
Step 2: Prepare the bow
Invite your crew, choose a safe time at the dock and assign one person to lead the readings. Place green leaves on the bow; in this tradition, they represent safe returns and remain there through the ceremony and maiden voyage. Write the old name on the reusable tag or shell, then keep it aboard as a symbolic prop.
Step 3: Purge the old name
With the new name still covered, face the water and read:
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 [old boat name], which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.
Make a symbolic gesture with the old-name tag, but keep it aboard. Pour a small ceremonial splash from west to east, if safe and permitted, and share the remainder with guests who are not operating the vessel.
Step 4: Welcome the new name
Now ask that the vessel be entered under her new name:
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 [new boat name], guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.
Step 5: Toast the four winds
Turn toward each direction in turn. Raise your glass—or make a small ceremonial pour where safe—and use the corresponding toast.
North: Boreas
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.
West: Zephyrus
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.
East: Eurus
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.
South: Notus
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.
Step 6: Reveal the new name
Uncover the new lettering, bring aboard the items bearing the new name and raise a final toast with your crew. Your boat’s next chapter has officially begun.
Take the printable version aboard
The five-page PDF contains the ceremony in an easy-to-follow format for the person leading the celebration.