Oh boy....I got this one!!! I recently did this and also attended another ceremony on the dock....any reason to throw a party, right? Here's mine. We changed her name from Island Time to Sanctuary. First, remove EVERYTHING bearing the old name - name plates, papers, old receipts, the lettering on the transom, etc. For things we could not remove such as the name written on the life vests with a permanent marker, we blacked out the name with the permanent marker. And do not bring anything on the boat bearing the new name until you have completed the denaming ceremony.
DE-NAMING
(Call up Poseidon or Neptune - just be consistent - if you call up Poseidon in the denaming, call him for the renaiming)
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, we implore you in your graciousness to expunge from your records for all time the name, ISLAND TIME, 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, the prepared metal tag bearing the old name is dropped from the bow of the boat into the sea. I used a piece of scrap alumium and a water soluable marker and wrote ISLAND TIME on it. It has to be a water soluable ink so that it can dissolve and "go away" symbolizing being erased from the god's book.)
In grateful acknowledgment of your generosity and authority, we offer these libations to Your Majesty and Your Court.
(Pour at least half of the bottle of Champagne into the sea from East to West. Pass remainder amongst your guests.)
At this point, she is denamed. You may begin putting the new name on. Or, you can go right into the renaming after the denaming. I chose to do them separately (so I could have two parties!) and I put the lettering on the transom in between ceremonies. You'll need a lot of champagne for these ceremonies, and NEVER use a cheap champagne for the gods and a nice one for yourself. Use the same champagne for you, your guests and the gods.
RENAMING
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, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as, SANCTUARY, 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 generosity, authority, and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.
(At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East.)
(The next step in the renaming ceremony is to appease the gods of the winds. This will assure you of fair winds and smooth seas. Because the four winds are brothers, it is permissible to invoke them all at the same time, however, during the ceremony; you must address each by name.
Begin in this manner):
(Call up Poseidon)
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 SANCTUARY the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.
(Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone)
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.
(Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning)
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.
(Facing east, repeat and fling to the East.)
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.
(Facing south, repeat, flinging to the South.)
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.
(And then the blessing)
Almighty God,
Who guided Noah in the building of an Ark, and calmed the raging sea, we call upon you to bless those who have prepared this ship for service, and to protect and preserve those who sail in her, and surround them with your loving care.
(now, go to the pulpit with a bottle of champagne to break over the anchor)
I hereby christen this ship SANCTUARY. God bless her and all who sail in her. (whack!)
And let the festivities continue! It was a lot of fun. I invited everyone I could find on the dock. For the denaming, MarioG and his wife were able to join us.
Post some photos of your ceremony. I posted a photo of the denaming toast in the Gallery here.
Enjoy!
