Changing a boat’s name is a common practice. Maybe you inherited the boat, or you just want to put your personal touch on it. But, boat owners commonly think that changing a boat’s name will bring bad luck. This idea has been present in nautical traditions for a long time, but fortunately, there are things that you can do to avoid this.
Changing a boat’s name doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Here are some steps to follow to change the name of your boat without worrying about causing bad luck:
1. Remove all traces of the old name
You need to completely erase the old name from your boat. Any decal, lettering, or personal items that have the old name should be removed. Any item that has the previous name, even a small one, can attract bad luck.
2. Purify the boat
After removing the traces of the old name, you need to purify the boat. This is the most important step to avoid bad luck. You can use saltwater, vinegar, or any commercial marine cleaner to cleanse the boat’s exterior and interior. After cleaning the boat, you can perform a renaming ceremony.
3. Perform a renaming ceremony
The renaming ceremony is a nautical tradition that dates back hundreds of years. It is believed to be a way to appease the gods and spirits of the sea so that they protect the boat and its crew. To perform this ceremony, gather your friends and family at the dock or on the boat. Start by reading the boat’s old name and then recite the new name three times.
You can also ask a higher power to bless the boat and all those who will sail on it. Pouring champagne, wine, or water on the boat’s bow is a common practice to seal the ceremony. The ceremony is to express gratitude to the sailors that have used the boat for many years.
4. Rebrand the boat
The final step is to rebrand the boat. Choose a new name and create your new personalized lettering or a customized decal for your boat. Be sure to use good quality materials and to avoid pasting vinyl directly onto the hull, as it can damage the paint.
Changing a boat’s name doesn’t have to be complicated. Following these simple steps can make the process smooth and efficient, without worrying about causing bad luck. Just remember to purify the boat, perform a renaming ceremony, and rebrand the boat. Your new boat name will represent your identity, and with the right steps, it can also bring good luck to your voyage.