Blessing the Boat

[BlueSkyNick]

We've made the difficult decision to rename our boat, having spent a year of shall we or shan't we. We need to register her in our own names - (Part1 in the old owners name, and even that has lapsed - oops.) - and she is about to come out of the water for the annual beautification process, so a the perfect time to get the old (painted on) name taken off.

Have checked with Ships Registry, EPIRB registry and VHF CG66, all no problems.

To get over the superstition, which is all in the mind anyway, SWMBO and I have agreed we will have the boat blessed between going back in the water and being sailed. We have a very nice lady vicar in the sailing club who I am sure will be pleased to do this.

Is there any set script, traditions, or do's and dont's we should be wary of?

 

[Richard10002]

Nick,

Rogue was originally called Lady "B" when bought new, then the 2nd owner named her Puffin, (and I have an Irish C & E certificate confirming VAT paid). My father then bought her changing her name to Rogue and registering her Part 1 at the same time.

I am somewhat concerned about the VAT situation as I can see nothing in the paper trail that actually confirms that "Puffin" became "Rogue", although I know that the MCA wanted to see all bills of sale and other stuff before registering her.

I'm only saying this to suggest that you are careful to retain a good paper trail.

Cheers

Richard

 

[BlueSkyNick]

thanks for the tip - I have all the papers from day One, so OK with this. Our previous boat had been changed too, but was only SSR.

also, with Part One, you keep the same Official Number, even though both boat and owner's name are changing at the same time, so there is some continuity.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Two most important things, Nick, in no particular order. Toast the 'new' boat with copious quantities or booze. Secondly, make sure you stick the vinyls on the hull the right way up!

 

[MoodySabre]

A vicar will have a script - they'll bless anything even to appease a superstition.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

[ QUOTE ]
A vicar will have a script - they'll bless anything even to appease a superstition.

[/ QUOTE ] I think she is pretty broad minded - she and her lady partner applied for, and were granted, joint membership of the club, and are happy to be recognised as an 'item'.

 

[mormargh]

Just don't paint the hull green as well! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Now that is definitely a NO NO - my mother would turn in her grave !! She would never have anything green in the house, no green cars, nuffink.

 

[mormargh]

Very wise, says he trying to convince self that walls in the bathroom are aquamarine and not the ocean green they probably are.

Some people say if the new name is an anagram of the old name, then Neptune won't be offended.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

an anagram of Lechwe is kind of difficult! we are going for something completely different - not to be revealed until after the ceremony! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[reginaldon]

think she is pretty broad minded - she and her lady partner applied for, and were granted, joint membership of the club, and are happy to be recognised as an 'item'.
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I wouldn't go much on the quality of the Blessing if I were you.

 

[mormargh]

Wheel C. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I thought Welche would do it

 

[BlueSkyNick]

[ QUOTE ]
think she is pretty broad minded - she and her lady partner applied for, and were granted, joint membership of the club, and are happy to be recognised as an 'item'.
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I wouldn't go much on the quality of the Blessing if I were you.

[/ QUOTE ]

ha! I guessed you might comment on this point ! I'll assume you had your tongue in your cheek at the time. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[KenMcCulloch]

There are many good renaming rituals. One recommended method is to have a virgin pee in the bilge. That will purify the boat and startle Neptune into striking the old name from his big book.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

mmmmm.... could be a problem finding a virgin in Lymington ..... well, over 16 anyway ! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Topcat47]

Having seen them in the wild (Botswana) they are graceful, fast and aquatic.....sounds like an idel name for a boat to me......

 

[Topcat47]

"ideal" Imeant.

Damn those dyslexic fingers!

 

[Allan]

I have heard that it is bad luck to change the name of any boat but, when you take it out of the water it is no longer a boat! My brother had to rename his, he did it when it was out of the water and has not had a problem.
Allan

 

[AIDY]

it was only meant to be unlucky on old wood boats when they calved the name in the stern. hence a name change would make the stern weaker.