There is an old superstition among boaters that renaming a boat after purchasing it is bad luck. Some even believe that it can bring harm to the vessel and its occupants, causing accidents, equipment malfunctions, or even worse.
The belief comes from nautical history and folklore, where ships and boats were often considered living beings with their own personalities and spirits. Renaming a boat was seen as a way of disrupting or angering the boat’s spirit, which could retaliate by causing trouble at sea.
To avoid this supposed curse, sailors and boaters developed a ritual for renaming a boat that included appeasing the boat’s spirit or deities. The ceremony often involved pouring champagne or wine over the bow or placing coins under the mast, reciting prayers or invocations, and asking for the boat’s forgiveness and blessing.
However, in modern times, many boaters and yacht owners believe that the ritual is unnecessary or outdated, and that renaming a boat after purchasing it is perfectly acceptable. Some argue that the belief in the curse is just a myth, and that any issues with the boat or its performance are simply coincidence or due to other factors.
In fact, renaming a boat can have practical and personal reasons for doing so. For example, the new owner may want to give the boat a name that reflects their personality or interests, or they may want to remove a previous owner’s name or reference. It can also be a way of giving the boat a fresh start and making it their own.
If you do decide to rename a boat after purchasing it, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure that you follow proper procedures for changing the boat’s registration, documentation, and insurance, and inform any relevant authorities or organizations of the name change. Secondly, consider holding a renaming ceremony as a way of commemorating the occasion and showing respect to the boat’s history and lore. You can also involve family and friends in the ceremony, or hire a professional captain or officiant to conduct it.
Whether or not renaming a boat after purchasing it is bad luck is a matter of personal belief and preference. While some may still follow the old tradition of appeasing boat spirits and deities, others see it as unnecessary or superstitious. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and should be based on practical considerations and your own values and traditions. Happy boating!