"The goal is not to sail the boat, but rather to help the boat sail herself." - John Rousmaniere.
Strolling the Docks There's something special about vessels out on the open water. They're emblematic of freedom and exploration, of pushing boundaries and charting new courses. That said, there's no better place to appreciate them than from the docks themselves. Just strolling up and down, admiring all the different boats, each one decorated in its own unique style and boat name. Whether it's an old sportfish yacht with intricate teak detailing or a modern fastest center console with triple or quad mercury engines, there's a beautiful story behind every vessel…each just begging to be discovered.
I may never know, but it's fun to imagine, especially with there being so much ceremonial meaning, value, and even stints of superstition surrounding the boat names that create its authentic charm.
The Art of Boat Naming - The Dos and Donts For centuries, people have been naming their vessels after things that are important to them. Whether it's a fishing boat named after a loved one or a yacht named after a cherished destination, boat names often hold great significance. However, there are also many superstitions surrounding boat naming. Some believe that it's bad luck to name a boat after one that has previously been sunk, others believe that boats should always be named after a woman because it brings good fortune and protection, and others say that naming a boat after a storm/natural disaster will anger Poseidon. Even more, it is said that a vessel that has seven letters and three "A’s” in the name is another way to ensure good luck.
But one of the biggest ones is that once you name your vessel, don't change it! According to legend, Poseidon keeps all boat names in his personal record book called the “Ledger of the Deep." The story goes that Poseidon grants safe passage to those who respect his protocols, but if you fail to appropriately rename your vessel, you will have to face his wrath. Because of that, it is highly scrutinized to never change the name of your vessel. But if you do, be sure to undergo a purging ceremony to remove the name from the ledger.
My opinion? I think if it's yours, you can name it however you wish to, whether that be following the old tails of the sea or following your heart. But superstition aside, some practical things to keep in mind when boat naming include:
- Make sure the name you choose is easy to read and pronounce. After all, you don't want to be yelling out something complicated when docking in a crowded harbor.
- Check with your marina before settling on a name to avoid duplicating! You don't want people constantly mistaking your boat for someone else's.
- Be sure to issue a boat naming celebration! There are many different yacht and boat naming ceremonies that can be performed at docks, such as tossing a bottle of champagne against the vessel's hull or getting it blessed by someone of religious importance.
- Try to avoid using puns or jokes in your boat's name. While they may seem clever at first, they will quickly become tiresome.
- Avoid profanity as well as using too much punctuation or special characters. This can make it difficult for others to read and could cause confusion in an emergency situation.
- And finally, don't be afraid to get creative! After all, your boat is a reflection of your personality. So go ahead and choose a name that you'll be proud of for years to come.
More Than Just a Painted Name When I stroll the docks, I see much more than just vessels with names painted on them. I see intriguing stories that only the boats can tell. I see character, personality, and futures filled with amazing adventures and memories yet to come. Even more, I see the innate beauty of nautical culture that has been passed down from generation to generation. In the end, boat naming is more than just naming a vessel – it is about naming something that is a part of your family. And with these guidelines and superstitions in mind, one can choose a name for their boat with confidence - and perhaps even add a little bit of good luck along the way.