Superstitions Of The Sea: Chanting Boat Names Thrice

Naming a boat is steeped in lore and superstition. One such superstition is that it's bad luck to rename a boat, and that you must perform a purging ceremony to remove the existing name from the ledger of the gods of the sea. Another superstition is that you should say a boat's name three times over the VHF radio. This is partly for practical reasons, as saying the name three times makes it easier for other boats to understand, but it is also thought that saying the name three times is important for performing a boat christening ceremony, which involves toasting the boat and breaking a bottle of champagne over the hull.

The history of boat naming

The tradition of naming boats dates back thousands of years, with the first boats being named after deities and saints to bring good fortune and protection during voyages. This tradition has continued, with boats often being given female names and referred to as "she".

The name of a boat is important for identification, especially during safety and security checks. In the US, the Coast Guard requires all commercial boats to have a name, but recreational boats are not subject to the same rules. However, naming a recreational boat is a fun way to make it your own and is considered good etiquette.

When choosing a name for your boat, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it should be short and sweet, with a maximum of 33 characters. It should also be easy to communicate over radio channels, as marine radio etiquette includes saying the name three times. The name should reflect your interests, hobbies, or career and be something that you are proud of.

If you need help coming up with a name, there are boat name generators available online. Once you've chosen a name, it is common to hold a christening ceremony to welcome the boat and its name. This tradition dates back to ancient times when people would perform rituals to invoke the protection of the gods for safe voyages.

Why boats are referred to as 'she'

There are several reasons why boats are referred to as "she". One theory is that boats were traditionally given female names, which associated them with women. In many languages, objects are referred to using feminine or masculine nouns, and while English tends to use gender-neutral nouns, the tradition of calling a boat "she" may be rooted in more ancient traditions.

Another theory relates to the idea of goddesses and mother figures guiding and protecting a ship and its crew. Ancient sailors believed that the power of a goddess could keep them safe at sea and protect them from storms. Women were often not allowed on boats, so invoking a woman or a goddess allowed for a female presence. This may also explain why so many figureheads carved at the front of vessels were female.

A third theory relates to the roots of language. Many Indo-European languages have "male", "female" and sometimes "neuter" words, while English has evolved to use more gender-neutral words. Therefore, calling a boat "she" may be an example of an ancient English-speaking practice of giving a gender to an inanimate object.

Finally, one more theory suggests that since the word for "ship" in Mediterranean languages was feminine, the gender of the ship remained the same even in languages where the word for ship or boat was male or gender-neutral.

It's worth noting that while referring to boats as "she" is a longstanding tradition, it has become less common in popular parlance. Organisations such as the British Royal Navy and Lloyd's Register of Shipping continue to refer to ships as "she", while others, like the Scottish Maritime Museum, have opted for gender-neutral language, referring to ships as "it".

How to name your boat

Naming your boat is a rite of passage for many boat owners. It is also a requirement by the U.S. Coast Guard to identify your boat's name and hailing port on documents and the boat itself. Here are some tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect name for your boat:

Keep it Short and Sweet

Your boat's name should be short, memorable, and easy for friends and family to understand. It should also be easy to communicate over the VHF radio. Marine radio etiquette includes saying the name three times, so this is particularly important. The name should also be short enough to fit on the transom and still be easy to read. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the name should not be more than 33 characters.

Be Unique and Creative

Try to come up with a name that is creative and unique. The last thing you want is to sail into a marina and see another boat with the same name as yours. You can use a boat name database to check how common your chosen name is.

Keep it Classy

Avoid using racist, sexist, or profane language in your boat's name. Keep it classy and family-friendly. Also, avoid using words that might be used to ask for help at sea, such as "Man Overboard."

Make it Personal

Your boat's name should reflect your personality, passions, or hobbies. For example, if you're a lawyer, you could name your boat "Alibi." You can also name your boat after a special woman in your life, as boats have traditionally been given female names.

Consider the Boat's Characteristics

Think about the type of boat you have and try to use it to inspire the name. Consider the boat's size, personality, and quirks.

Have a Theme

You can have a nautical theme or go with something more modern. You can also name your boat after songs, movies, or artworks.

Entertain

Choose a name that will bring a smile to fellow boaters' faces when they hear it over the radio or catch sight of your transom.

Check for Adaptability

Imagine the different scenarios in which you'll say or hear your boat's name. For example, imagine yourself needing to call your boat name over a VHF radio or winning a regatta.

Stick to Your Values

Name your boat something that fits your values and lifestyle.

Avoid Unlucky Names

According to superstition, it's bad luck to rename a boat or give it a name that begins with "O." Also, it might be best to avoid naming your boat after a vessel that met misfortune, like the Titanic.

Once you've chosen the perfect name, you can hold a boat christening ceremony to celebrate and officially welcome your new boat and its name.

How to change a boat's name

Changing a boat's name is a serious business. Superstition dictates that it's bad luck to change a boat's name, but if you must, there are traditions to follow to avoid seven years of bad luck and the wrath of the sea god, Poseidon.

Firstly, you need to choose a new name. Boat names are usually one or two words, easy to communicate over a VHF radio, and not likely to cause confusion with other boats. You should also check that the name hasn't already been claimed (although boats are identified by their hull number, not their name).

Once you've chosen a name, you need to register it with the United States Coast Guard. This establishes ownership and nationality and makes it easier for American vessels to enter and leave foreign ports.

Now for the fun part—the renaming ceremony. There are various traditions and superstitions surrounding the renaming of a boat, and it's important to follow them to avoid angering Poseidon. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Remove all traces of the boat's current name from the vessel and any related records. This includes documents, decor, nameboards, life rings, and even the previous owner's name. Some people recommend burning items with the old name on them. You should also write the old name in water-soluble ink on a metal tag.
• Begin the purging ceremony. Gather your friends and a bottle of good champagne 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 [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 the champagne into the water, from east to west, and share the rest with your friends.
• Begin the renaming ceremony. Address Poseidon again and speak the new name of your boat:

> "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 [new boat 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."

• Pour the rest of the champagne into the water, this time from west to east, saving a glass for yourself and your first mate.
• Appease the four wind gods by reciting:

> "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 [new boat name] the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs."

Face north and pour a glass of champagne. Toss the libation to the north and 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."

• Repeat this process, facing west, east, and south, addressing Zephyrus, Eurus, and Notus, the rulers of their respective winds.
• Finish off the champagne and celebrate!

Now you can officially rename your boat and set sail on your new adventures. Fair winds and following seas!

Boat naming etiquette

Naming a boat is a fun way to make it your own, but there are also rules and superstitions to consider. While it's not a legal requirement to name a boat, it is a longstanding tradition. All commercial boats are required to have a name, and it is considered bad luck by sailors to not name a boat.

Rules and Regulations

According to the US Coast Guard, boat names must:

• Be no longer than 33 characters.
• Not be identical, or sound similar, to any word or phrase used to solicit assistance at sea.
• Not contain or sound similar to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or racial or ethnic slurs.

Superstitions

Sailors are a superstitious bunch, and there are several beliefs surrounding boat names:

• It is bad luck to rename a boat. If you do, you must perform a purging ceremony to remove the existing name from the "Ledger of the Deep", which is known to Neptune, god of the deep.
• It is bad luck to give your boat a showy, arrogant, or fate-tempting name.
• Boats are considered feminine and are usually given female names.
• It is bad luck to give your boat the same name as the sea or storms, e.g. "Hurricane".

Choosing a Name

When choosing a name for your boat, it is recommended to:

• Check how common the name is.
• Consider how the name will sound when said out loud, especially when calling it over a VHF radio.
• Make sure the name suits the vessel and is memorable, reflecting your interests, hobbies, or career.
• Keep it short and sweet, and make sure it rolls off the tongue.

Christening Your Boat

Once you've chosen a name, it's time to christen your boat with a small ceremony for friends and family:

• Gather everyone around the boat and pour glasses of champagne or sparkling wine.
• Give a small speech about your boat.
• Toast the boat with a traditional poem or your own words.
• Lay a branch of green leaves on the deck for good luck.
• Break the champagne bottle against the boat's hull.

Frequently asked questions