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How to Rename a Boat (and Save Yourself Years of Bad Luck)

Let’s say you buy a used boat this year and have the perfect name in mind to christen her as your own. However, before you can change the name, you must undergo a re-naming ceremony in order to avoid the wrath of Poseidon. According to legend, Poseidon has the name of every vessel ever launched recorded in the Ledger of the Deep. So, to change a vessel’s name, you must purge it from the ledger and from Poseidon’s mind. Have we lost you? Don’t worry, the process involves champagne. Here's how to properly rename a boat:

First things first: you must remove all traces of the current name. That means not only the lettering on the transom but also any documents or décor items onboard (like those decorative and moldy pillows that bear the former name and now litter the cabin). Once that is complete, write the old name in water-soluble ink on a metal tag.

Next, begin the purging ceremony. Gather some friends as witnesses and a few bottles of champagne and assemble together on the bow of the vessel. Then recite the following:

“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.”

Drop the metal tag into the water and say:

“In grateful acknowledgement of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.”

Pour at least half of the champagne into the water, from east to west, and share the rest amongst the group.

Now comes the renaming ceremony. Repeat these lines 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, I implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (say the name you’ve selected), 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.”

Next, pour more champagne into the water, this time from west to east. Save one glass for you and for the ship’s mate.  

After addressing Poseidon, you must appease the four wind gods and ask for fair winds and calm seas for your future voyages. Repeat these lines:

“Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (say your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.”

First you will address them together, and then you will address each wind god individually. Face north and toss champagne to the north as you 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.”

Next face west , toss champagne to the west, and recite: 

“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 , toss more champagne, and recite: 

“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.”

Finally face south , and you know the drill… (hope you brought a lot of champagne):

“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.”

Once the ceremony is complete, you may bring your first item bearing the vessel’s new name onboard and indulge in any leftover champagne. While it is typical to complete the re-naming ceremony immediately after the purging ceremony, it can be done at any time (provided you follow the steps in the proper order).

Perhaps the process is a tad superstitious, but at least you got to partake in champagne with friends! And we can guarantee it will be a day you won’t forget anytime soon.

And if you're considering buying a used boat, be sure to check out our article: 5 Used Boat Buying Tips . 

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Renaming Your Boat – Mysterious Traditions, Lucky Superstitions, and Exciting Tips

When you own a boat, the vessel’s name is far more than just letters waiting to be painted on its hull. It often carries deep personal significance for the mariner; it could be a tribute to a beloved soul, an inside joke, or even a meaningful proverb. But while naming your boat can take time and effort, renaming it should never be taken lightly. True sailors know all too well of the superstitions and traditions linked with vessel naming and renaming. That’s why in this article, we will help you navigate through these waters and discover the best tips and tricks for when it comes to renaming your boat–so that your journey remains one of smooth sailing.

Myths and Legends of Boat Renaming

Legends of boat renaming have captivated mariners since antiquity. It is believed that ships and their names are vessels of energy and spirit. Thus, to rename a vessel brings about the potential for upheaval in the cosmic balance. Rumor has it that the gods of the sea will become incensed, leading to malevolent misfortune or tragedy for those on board. Should you feel the need to rename your boat, there are rituals which can be followed to allay the anger of the gods and ensure safe passage.

The Rite of Boat Renaming–A Wonderful Ceremony

Before beginning the awe-inspiring ceremony, it is essential to completely wipe away any signs of the traditional name. This includes all physical proofs, such as the nameplate and paperwork, as well as verbal mentions. Once every trace of the past moniker has vanished, you can start the outstanding renaming ceremony! Though there are numerous renditions based on cultural and geographical varieties, here is an overall summary of a normal boat renaming practice:

1. Purify the Vessel

To launch, you must offer tribute to the gods of the sea. It is the initial cleansing, and make it special. Grasp the champagne bottle and slowly trickle its contents over the bow of your vessel. As the bubbles reach the water, whisper a prayer for a blank slate in its lifetime. Let them hear your plea to erase any identity it may have had prior.

2. Practice Invocation

Once the ritual purification has been done, commune with each of the cardinal gods in turn, thanking them for their blessing and asking for their guidance. Speak your pleas to them directly; it’s not necessary to use a written script or formulaic words–speak from the heart and be genuine in your request.

3. Rename and Re-Christen

Once you’ve pleased the gods and purified the boat, it’s time to give it its new name. Pour a libation over the bow while declaring the name aloud, then toast the gods for blessing your vessel with this new identity. Celebrate your rechristened boat!

Tips for Choosing a New Boat Name

Before you brand your salty steed, it’s essential to craft the perfect name. Here are some pointers to help you set sail in the right direction:

1. Keep it Simple

Select a name that’s effortless to articulate and comprehend, especially when life-and-death matters are at stake. An uncomplicated name will also make it simple for anyone to recall and utilize swiftly.

2. Personalize the Name

Selecting the perfect name is more than a decision–it’s a symbol of your family’s identity. Consider all its possibilities and discover one that speaks to who you are as individuals, as lovers, and as parents. Always remember: it should hold significance for those closest to you, from sources such as hobbies, interests, occupation, or something personal and meaningful.

3. Research the Name

Before you commit to a name, research its origins first. Uncover any hidden shadows that lurk beneath it. Analyze what sort of reputation it carries. And double-check if the name is already taken–especially if you plan to join the racing world. Choose wisely, and your vessel will be all the more legendary.

4. Consider a Good Luck Charm

Some seafaring souls cling to the belief that a good luck charm or symbol embedded in a boat’s name will bring it and its crew an abundance of prosperity and safety. Whether it be a sign from the heavens, a talisman, or an oracle of fortune, these sailors fix their faith on its power and entrust the future of their vessel to its mystical fervency.

Giving your craft a new name may seem like a mundane task, but mariners take it seriously. Legends tell of the sea’s wrath should you miss any step in the process; from choosing the name carefully to honoring ancient traditions, this is not an undertaking to be taken lightly. But if you stay rooted in the customs of the past and ensure your vessel follows them faithfully, you will reap dividends greater than any treasure–the loyalty of the gods, and an eternity of joyous memories on the water.

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Boat name ideas: 21 tacks to take when naming your boat.

Post by Becky at Dockwa - Published on 04/28/21 12:00 PM

Do you stay traditional and name your boat after a sweetheart? If you've been jilted, do you name your boat something bitter as a form of catharsis? If you're not interested in naming your boat after a dame, your boat's name could represent a struggle you've overcome, a quest you're beginning, or something as simple as the cocktail you plan on sipping while at the helm.  Learn how to name your boat and see some of the country's best boat names.  

While you're here: Get the free Dockwa app , create your free account , scope out some sweet dockage discounts , or find your next long-term slip or mooring . 

Jokers beware: as the  British NERC researchers  can tell you, the name of your boat says a lot about you, and leaves a lasting impression.

To take a page out of the Halcyon Passages boating blog: 

You can name your boat anything you want to and my opinion is just that. And that opinion is that a name should be one word sometimes two, but one if you can do it. Under no circumstances should it be a whole sentence. ...I miss the days of boats with real names like, Victory, Ranger, Dauntless, and Endeavor.  When I send a distress call announcing that the vessel, that I have treated with such pride and respect, is taking me straight to the bottom, the Coast Guard undoubtedly will say, “Holy cow, now that’s a great boat name.”

How to Choose A Boat Name

1. check how common it is.

Before choosing a name, please give it a run through one of the boat name databases available online, and check out the annual BoatUS Top 10 Boat Names List . If you choose a popular name, and in particular a name that is popular in your boating region, there's a good chance you'll eventually cross paths with your name-doppelgänger and cause some confusion over the radio waves.

2. Check for adaptability

Imagine the scenarios in which you'll say or hear your boat's name. Envision yourself needing to call your boat name over a VHF, as you'll likely need to do many times before you and your boat part ways. As per PropTalk's recommendation, "Imagine yourself using this new name three times on Channel 16. Consider how easy it is to say and how easy it is for other boats to understand." What will it look like if your boat makes front-page headlines?

If you're a sailor, imagine winning a regatta. Do you want to hear "Congratulations,  B-Yacht'ch !" when you approach the podium? (...Maybe! It actually has a fun ring to it.) Once you've chosen a name, head to the  United States Coast Guard site  to make it official.

3. Make it official

Once you've settled on a name, you can head over to the United States Coast Guard site to get all the information you need to make it official.

Boat Name Superstitions

Once named, superstition dictates that it's bad luck to change the name of a boat. But if you must, check out this blog to see the tradition that follows (as with most things in boating), which can clear your boat of bad juju.  One boat renaming ceremony we found: place a piece of paper with the boat name on it in a small box, burn the box, then release the ashes into the sea or river. If you're not one for superstition, you're not alone – mainly as this one may have come about to dodge the attention of tax agencies when a large ship changed hands.

Popular Boat Name Categories

Don't call it a comeback! By far the easiest way to name a boat: ditch its predecessor. Whether your last vessel had a run-in with the sea floor or you wanted an upgrade, calling your second, third, and fourth boat after the first is a breeze. You don't even have to change the artwork on the boat decal. If you're attached to a boat name, there's no shame in wanting to keep it. Rendezvous II, Abigail Rose II, Act III, Adventure Us IIII – all names worthy of a second life.

Our favorite Repeat boat name in this category in 2016:  Nailed It Again

The 2017 Dockwa team favorites:  Double Down II ,  Karma II ,  Ship of Fools III

2018: Final Escape Plan and CurrentSea  

2019:  Have A Fun III – see the backstory and all the favorites of 2019

2020: Ai-Ki  – see the backstory and all the favorites of 2020  

2021: Sans Souci  – see the backstory and all 2021 favorites

The Workaholic

Whether you're obsessed with your job, want to reference how much you hate it, or see boating as a business networking opportunity, naming your boat something related to your occupation opens up a world of boat name puns to help break the ice when you're out on the water.

Our favorites of 2016:  Exit Strategy, Knot On Call , and  Floating Doc

2017's workhorses (or work-escapees):  FHARFRUMWORKEN  and  Aye Doctor

2018:  Effervescence and Monkey Sea  

2019:  Plane To Sea 

2020: Between Wakes

2021: Bone Voyage

The Love Boat

Naming a boat after the love of your life doesn't just score brownie points; it carries on an age-old tradition of naming ships after wives.

Our pals at GetMyBoat did the research on this one:

There are several theories about how this came to be. One is that since the word for “ship” in the languages of the Mediterranean was feminine, the gender of the ship remained the same even in languages in which the word for ship or boat was male or gender-neutral. Another theory is that since boats were traditionally given female names, they became associated with women. In addition, working boats and ships were historically manned by all-male crews. Some ships, like whaling ships, would be at sea for years at a time, and would have a closer relationship with the boat than the mothers, wives, or sweethearts they left behind on shore. Legend has it that ships would sometimes behave like women too, with their own personalities and the specific ways they liked to be handled.

In the Dockwa boat list we found a few  Carol Annes , a handful of  Jenny s, a  Jeaninne III  and a slew of boats named after their missus's -  Miss Molly, Miss Megan, Miss Maggie , the list goes on.

Our favorite Dockwa boat name in 2016:  Captain's Lady . Gotta give the captain credit for the built-in flexibility.

Our 2017 pick:  Sweet Caroline . Even if you're not a Boston fan, we love a boat name that gets the harbor humming.

2018: Lost Keys 

2019: Mr. T and Me 

2020: Platinum Dream

2021: P aumanok and Booger

The Weatherbird

The Eskimo language may have more than 100 words for "snow," but we'd be willing to bet that the number of terms for wind puts that to shame. As well there should be – every day on the breeze is different. So if a particular day or type of wind strikes your fancy, or stays with you for reasons you can't quite describe, perhaps you're a Weatherbird.

Our favorite wind-related Dockwa boat names in 2016:  Second Wind , and  Wind Chaser

The 2017 favorite:  Bris de Mer , which a boater relayed to us translates into French for "Breaking of Sea" – Sea Breaker. Lovely!

2018:  Stella Maris 

2019: Sowwanin II

2020: Irish Hurricane

2021: Witch of November

The Competitor You know them when you see them. When you read the name on the scratch sheet, these are the boats that give you a chill. You don't just want it to win. You want it to crush every other boat in the regatta. Comanche, Dark Star, and SPOOKIE are some of our favorites to see on the start lines. Favorite competitive boat names of 2016:  Triumph  and  STOLEN Our fastest pick for 2017:  Flight Risk 2018:  Bird of Prey 2019: None this year, but to make up for it we added a "Boater's Best Friend" category. This year's winner was Bosun:  We named our boat as well as our dog Bosun. Both are well trusted, dependable, and reliable. The definition of “bosun” suits both the dog as well as our boat well: "a ship's officer in charge of equipment and the crew." – Chris W., Rowayton, CT.  Check out this new category! 2020:  Lady Minx 2021: Miss Mayhem Goddess, Spirits, and Legends Boating can teach you several things: resourcefulness, independence, geography, cooking, and, of course, a wealth of information about obscure Germanic/Greek/Norse deities, fantastic legends, and eerie seafaring stories. Looking to tales is an excellent way to find a name for your boat that is unique and classic. A few of our favorites:  Calliope , the Greek muse often associated with eloquence and epic poetry,  Valkyrie , the Norse figures who choose those who may die in battle and those who may live, and  Freyja , a Norse goddess associated with love, sex, beauty, fertility , and gold. Our favorite goddess-themed boat name of 2016:  Hespera , the Greek spirit of immortality. 2017's pick: We like the sound of  Pyewacket , which was one of the spirits in the story of the witches of Essex, England, in 1644, described as both an imp and a polecat by the "witch" who claimed they visited her. If not that origin story, the boat could be named for the 1967 children's novel of the same name, in which the main character is an alley cat.  2018:  Dea Latis  2019:  Alobar 2020: Vayu 2021: PINCOYA The Heartstrings Whether you had your heart broken or lost your fortune in a drunken night of gambling–or both–naming a boat after your tale of woe can be cathartic. For instance, we can't imagine a vessel named After Child Support  had happy beginnings. The boat name that most stood out in the Dockwa roster:  Life's a Wreck . Hope everything's okay, buddy! 2017's, er, winners:  Bittersweet  and  Grumpy Old Man .  2018: Solace , No Regrets , Fighting Lady , and T n T Too  2019:  Knot A Day Goes By  2020: Burnt Out 2021: Peregrine The Musician Three Little Birds, Comfortably Numb, Aleggro, Adagio, Calypso, Cantada  –captains love music! From classical to contemporary, naming your boat after your favorite tune can give you a theme song to blast as you leave the harbor (we're looking at you,  Wild T'ing ), or a go-to to crank up once you've reached calm waters and are sipping on wine. Our favorite musically-themed boat name of 2016:  White Album , who apparently chose the name to avoid having to put the name on the hull.  Our 2017 pick:  The Madman Across the Water . Kudos to this captain for being boating-apropos while showing us there's more to  the Elton John album  than Tiny Dancer. We also love  Hotel California  – if we see that boat we'd expect the crew aboard to be living it up while living aboard.  2018:  Three Little Birds 2019:  Row Jimmy 2020: Bellini 2021: Alestorm The Fun-Lovin' Free-Wheeler! Boat Drinks! Comfortably Numb! Yolo!  You'll get no judgment from us. People buy boats for different reasons, and if yours is to have a boozy getaway on the water, so be it! But, be careful with this naming category. If the name is too on the nose, "Getting Slizzard" anyone?, don't be surprised when Coasties show up to survey the scene. Our favorite fun-lovin' boat name of 2016:  Zimbabalooba! Sounds like a wacky good time.  For 2017, we have a soft spot for  Dune Buggy . We imagine this is a sporty little runabout!  2018: Mad Cap 2019:  Too Much Weekend 2020: Weekend Bender 2021: Bad Idea The Pop Culture Fan From the The S.S. Minnow to Cast Away to the Pirate Ship Revenge , harbors always seem to have their fair share of pop culture references.  Our favorite pop-culture boat name of 2016:  Honey Badger . We assume this boat's namesake is the  2011 nature video  that went viral after some creative narrating, which would lead us to also assume that the owners of this boat don't care and have a pretty fun sense of humor.  2017's winner:  Kobayashi Maru  hands down. The name is apropos for referencing the captain's test in J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek reboot, and has an even sweeter connotation for Trek fans who know that this test is designed to be unbeatable, to see how a captain reacts in a no-win scenario. (Spoiler alert) Even better: the test is beaten by a captain who doesn't believe in no-win scenarios. Live long and prosper.  2018:  Squalus  2019:  Shortshank Redemption  2020: McHale’s Navy 2021: Millenium Dolphin The Pun Master Some people love a good pun–enough to slap one on the stern of a boat that will likely be one of the most significant investments they make in their life. Pun names are harmless, even if they are groan-worthy, to name a few:  ABSeas, Comocean, YEAH BOUY, Knot So Fast, Nauti Girl, Ships n' Giggles, Fanta-Sea,  and  Extra-Sea . Catamaran owners seem particularly guilty of indulging in puns, with names like  Cat-astrophe, KatAttack, Katnip, and  Katatonic . And then there are the puns that get a bit more risque–the afore-mentioned  B-Yacht'ch ,  Morning Wood , and  Master Baiter (Do you bring your mothers on that boat?). We'll keep things a little more G-Rated for our boat name pick.

Our favorite punny boat name of 2016:  Seas the Dream .

2017's punmaster: Whichever pirate owns  Arrr-n-Arrrr . 

2018:  Jaunty

2019:  Ship Show

2020: DEBAITABLE

2021: Pied à mer 

The Storyteller When perusing the long list of Dockwa boaters, many don't fit into one of the previous categories, and some in particular give pause. Twenty Two Bucks ? What's the story there? Witch of Tilloo ? Definitely needed to google that. Did the owner of Triple Dog Dare Ya buy their boat on a dare?  Ou r 2016 favorite boat name:  Against All Odds . 2017:  Chocolate Socks.  If you see a vessel by this name at your docks or on your mooring field, please approach with caution and get the story of this odd name. 2018:  OH NO 2019:  Deja Blue 2020: Off The Rails 2021: Sheekasay The Linguist In 2017 we updated this post to include another category, as we felt compelled salute captains whose boat names are nod to a cultural sentiment they appreciate or their own family's culture. This year's pick s:  Andiamo! , Italian for "Let's go!" and  Ladatio , which we've learned is Hindi for "scandal." 2018's favorite:  Satori Blue 2019:  Lagniappe 2020: Tallawah 2021: Hahalua All in the Family 2018:  OutNumbered : I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife & two teenage daughters... however I am truly outnumbered at home & in everything I do. We laugh that people at various ports/marinas sometimes ask if I am an accountant or deal with numbers to which I respond, you will see in a minute as the family comes aboard! – Dan F., Newport RI 2019:  Thisldu 2020: Beau Twyde 2021: The Belfry and Muthashp Paying Homage 2018:  Gray Ghost : My boat is a gray Robalo R227 named after my father’s ship in the navy. Officially the USS Newport News, the heavy cruiser earned the nickname “The Gray Ghost from the East Coast” during her service in Vietnam, due to numerous missions taking fire without being hit. Her sister ship USS Salem is berthed in Quincy MA. – Randy B.  2019:  Nauti Nelli 2020: Cupecoy 2021: Steinsvika Dinghy Duos We've seen some cute as heck dinghy names over the past year and thought they warranted their category. We, of course, love when they have their boat name backstory, particularly when they're a standalone vessel instead of a +1, but we also love when the name is a nod to the mothership.  2020: A close family friend joined the Special Operations Unit for the Marines and was KIA. During his brutal training where all he wanted to do was give up he would recite the phrase in his head "Beast mode no breaks." This phrase became common among our families aft er. Our boat is named Beast Mode and our tender is named No Breaks .  2021: Bubblecuffer A Boater's Best Friend 2019: Bosun 2020: Alpha Dog 2021: Gunny's Dream Literary Reference Boat Names 2020: SKYMARK  came from a poem from Robert Frost bemoaning being somewhat lost at sea on a cloudy night and asking the clouds to part so he could find his old "sky marks" in the heavens so he could once again determine his location; thus the name. I have used it since my first sailboat in 1981. 2021: Vagrant Gypsy Money Matters 2020: Bottom's Up : Purchased from the funds of liquor sales at Bourbon Street Pub in Key West.  – Conch Harbor Marine, Key West, FL 2021: Ka-Ching and A LOAN AT SEA   These Modern Times / Current Event Boat Names 2020 : Covid Therapy : Boat the boat while stressing out about being quarantined during Covid 19 and thinking there will be nothing to do in the summer – hence our new boat! 2021: Lake Mode , @sea.calm , and Social Distins Change of Pace A frequent theme we've spotted with boat names is that the owner(s) have decided to slow things down, downsize, upsize (usually upsize), or, as was the case of our 2020 winners, finally take charge of tackling their boating bucket list at breakneck speed.   2020:  Here Today : Here Today was launched In January 2019 in the Virgin Islands and has traveled to 57 different ports from the Caribbean to New England – for our short stays we are “Here Today”! 2021: Call Me Crazy and Last Dance

Want more Boat Names? See all of our favorites and honorable mentions of years past (updated annually).

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Renaming a Boat: The Dos and Don'ts

Ask any seasoned boater, and he or she will tell you renaming a boat without following time-honored traditions can incur the wrath of Poseidon, the god of the sea. Poseidon has the name of every (and we do mean every) vessel ever launched recorded in the Ledger of the Deep. Therefore, if you want the boat to carry a new name, you need to purge it not just from the ledger, but also from Poseidon’s mind. Here’s how to ensure renaming a boat succeeds.

How to Rename a Boat 

• Remove all traces of the current name.
• Begin the purging ceremony.
• Begin the renaming ceremony.
• Appease the four wind gods.
• If you have champagne left, indulge in honor of completing the ceremony.

Find the Right Boat for Your Lifestyle

1. Remove all traces of the current name.

Start by taking any and every item bearing the boat’s name off the boat. This means documents, decor items, nameboards, and even life rings. Then, strike the name from every record, ranging from log books to maintenance documents. Some people recommend burning them, to ensure you obliterate the name, but white-out fluid does the trick just as well. Finally, after you’ve checked and re-checked that you’ve completed these steps, write the old name in water-soluble ink on a metal tag. Do not, under any circumstances, take even one item with the new name onboard yet! In fact, you can’t do this until you’ve completed all of the tasks outlined below.

2. Begin the purging ceremony.

The official ceremony, in which you address Poseidon himself, calls for good champagne, and good friends as witnesses. Once you’re gathered together on the bow of the boat, recite the following:

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.

At this point, drop the metal tag over the bow into the water. Then say:

In grateful acknowledgement of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.

Pour at least half the champagne into the water, from east to west. Share the rest among yourselves.

3. Begin the renaming ceremony. 

Speak to Poseidon once again:

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 (say the name you’ve selected) , 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.

Make sure you have more champagne on hand, because you’ll need to pour it, minus one glass for you and one for the mate, into the water, this time from west to east.

4. Appease the four wind gods.

Renaming a boat also involves asking for fair winds and calm seas for your pending voyages. Recite:

Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (say your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.

Next, address each wind god individually. In facing north, pour champagne into a champagne flute and toss the libation to the north as you 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.

Next 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 pour and 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.

Lastly, face south, pouring the champagne and tossing it while reciting:

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.

5. Finish Off the Champagne

If you have any champagne left, indulge in honor of completing the ceremony.

Now, at long last, you can take your first item bearing the new name onto your boat. Hopefully you haven’t had the transom graphics changed yet. If scheduling issues prevented waiting until after the renaming ceremony, though, keep the new name covered until you finish all the steps.

Yes, this is incredibly detailed, and incredibly superstitious. But would you rather tempt fate?

Read Next: How to Name a Boat

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Editor's Note: This article was originally published in May 2017 and updated in January 2020.

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Yacht Cruising Lifestyle

Everything fun you can do from your yacht

How to Rename Your Boat Without 7 Years of Bad Luck

July 22, 2021 by Travis Turgeon Leave a Comment

If you find yourself wanting to rename your boat due to the previous owners having a severe lack of taste, it’s essential that you know the right way to go about it. Just as you would hold a boat christening ceremony for new vessels, renaming a boat has ceremonial rules to follow to ensure a lifetime of good luck on the water. In fact, renaming a boat is about as taboo as it gets when it comes to maritime superstitions. Of course, you can just brush these century-old beliefs off as fiction, but we suggest following every step precisely as instructed to avoid a lifetime of bad luck and hardship at sea. 

Renaming a Boat: Legend and Superstitions

According to legend, Poseidon keeps every vessel’s name in his personal record book – the “Ledger of the Deep”. Poseidon grants safe passage throughout the seven seas to those who respect his protocols, but failing to appropriately rename your vessel is among the surest ways to witness his wrath. 

The following misfortunes are just some of the ways Poseidon punishes those who do not take his fable seriously:

• Long spells of rough seas and foul weather
• Fires below deck
• Collisions at sea with natural hazards or other vessels
• Personal injury to the captain and crew
• Sinking ships

Other superstitions related to renaming a boat include:

• Naming your vessel with seven letters will bring good luck to your journeys
• Including three “A’s” in the name of your boat is good luck
• Feminine names bring good fortune and protection to the vessel
• Naming a vessel after one that has previously sunk is bad luck
• Never sail on a boat without a name – it is bad luck
• Naming a boat after a storm or natural disaster will anger Poseidon

* Sure, some of these superstitions seem strange. Still, there are plenty of sailing superstitions that are far more trivial than those listed above.

Renaming Your Boat: Step-by-Step

As explained above, the process to rename a boat must be precise to avoid a lifetime of misfortune at sea. The following steps are carefully mapped out so that you can ensure your vessel is granted safe passage by the Gods of the sea.

1. Completely Erase the Current Identity of the Vessel

To begin the re-naming process, you will first need to erase every trace of the boat’s current identity – and we mean everything. Hull logos, sails, keyrings, sail bags, ledgers, boat records – EVERYTHING. Some even go as far as removing the previous owner’s name from anything on the boat. You can paint over the exterior, use white-out for records and ledgers, and burn everything with the current name on it, just for good measure. Leave no stone unturned during this process. 

* Under no circumstance are you to bring ANYTHING with the new name onto the boat until all ceremonies are complete.  

2. return the vessel’s name to poseidon.

After you’ve removed all traces of the vessel’s current name, it’s time to make erase it once and for all by returning it to Poseidon. You’ll need to prepare a small metal tag with the current name written in water-soluble ink. 

Once you have the metal tag prepared, begin by invoking the name of Poseidon – ruler of the deep – by saying the following:

“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 expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (the vessel’s current 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”. 

• Toss the metal tag from the boat’s bow and return the name to the sea. After, recite the following to complete the un-naming ritual:

“In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.” 

• Finish the un-naming by pouring some of your chosen drink overboard, from east to west. Those attending the ceremony may now consume the rest of the bottle.

3. Begin the Renaming Ceremony: Gods of the Sea

The un-naming ceremony is most often followed directly by the renaming ceremony, but you can do this separately if you wish. For the following, you will again need to recite a verse, asking permission from Poseidon to bless the new name of your vessel. You will also need more wine, champagne, or liquor to complete the ceremony. 

To begin, start by saying the following:

“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 (vessel’s new 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”.

• After pouring a glass for those onboard, empty the remainder of the bottle overboard from west to east as a sacrifice to Poseidon.

4. Complete the Renaming Ceremony: Gods of the Wind

The next step is to please the gods of the wind – assuring you fair winds and smooth seas during your journeys. You will need to address all four gods of the wind – one for each direction. 

Begin by reciting the following:

“​​ Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (vessel’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.”

• While facing north, pour some of the bottle into your glass. Toss the liquid to the north as you recite the following:

“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.”

• While facing west, pour some of the bottle into your glass. Toss the liquid to the west as you recite the following:

“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.”

• While facing east, pour some of the bottle into your glass. Toss the liquid to the east as you recite the following:

“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.”

• While facing south, pour some of the bottle into your glass. Toss the liquid to the south as you recite the following:

“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.”

5. Final Considerations

Once the ceremony is complete, you may bring aboard items and official documents that hold your vessel’s new name. This is also an appropriate time to have the new name painted on the hull. If you insist on having the name painted before the ceremony, it’s crucial not to reveal the name before completing the ritual.

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Boat & Ship Name Generator (with Tips)

• Updated: August 13, 2023

Our Boat Name Generator combines linguistic data, nautical traditions, and your personal preferences to generate the ideal name for your boat.

Whether you’re looking for something classic, witty, or funny, our generator is here to inspire you.

How to Use our Boat Name Generator

• Choose Your Boat Type: Whether it’s a sailboat, fishing boat, speedboat, or a luxury yacht, selecting the type of boat you have can influence the naming suggestions.
• Provide Important Words: Have any words that are significant to you? Maybe it’s a loved one’s name, a favorite destination, or a sentiment you want to convey. Feed those keywords into our generator, and watch it craft names tailored to your inputs.
• Select Your Preferences: Want something witty? Or perhaps you’re after a traditional maritime name? Let us know your style preference, and our generator will align its suggestions accordingly.
• Generate Names: Once you’ve entered your details, hit the ‘Generate Names’ button. In a few moments, you’ll be presented with a list of potential boat names that match your criteria.
• Pick Your Favorite: Go through the list and pick the one that resonates with you the most. Remember, the best boat name is one that feels right to you.

Why is the Boat Name Important?

A boat’s name is more than just a label. It often carries personal significance, reflecting the owner’s passions, memories, or hopes for their adventures.

It might honor loved ones, convey a sense of humor, or express the dream that inspired boat ownership in the first place. A well-chosen name adds character to your boat and makes it truly yours.

900+ Great Boat Names: Ideas for Everyone

Tips for the perfect boat name.

• Keep it Short and Sweet: Shorter names are easier to read when your boat is in motion and simpler to communicate over the radio.
• Make it Personal: The best names often have personal significance, reflecting the owner’s interests, life events, or maritime aspirations.
• Consider Pronunciation: Make sure the name is easy to pronounce.
• Test it Out: Before finalizing, say the name out loud, write it down, and maybe even share it with friends and family. Feedback can be invaluable.

With our Boat Name Generator, finding the perfect name for your boat has never been easier. We hope this tool helps you quickly identify a name that feels just right.

Happy boating!

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