Before Garrett and I even set out to buy a sailboat, we knew one thing: that no matter what, it would be called Thisldu. It's a name that runs deep in Garrett's family history—first given to his Grandpa's lakefront cottage in Michigan—and is a play on the phrase "this will do."
Alas, the boat that we bought came with a different name, the same name that it was christened with straight out of the boatyard in 1979. As superstition decrees, we can no longer say the old name out loud.
Sailors are a very superstitious group, and believe that changing the name of a boat welcomes bad luck. Said bad luck can only be avoided if the name change is done correctly: with a ceremony.
The legend behind the ceremony is this: The god of the sea, Poseidon, keeps a list of all vessels that sail, motor, and cross his seas called the Ledger of the Deep. If you change the name of a vessel without consulting Poseidon, his list is no longer accurate. He feels duped. His wrath is invoked.
If you ask me, I never want to invoke the wrath of Poseidon.
To appease him, you must perform two ceremonies—one boat name purging and one boat renaming—so Poseidon can wipe the old and add the new name to the Ledger of the Deep.
We gathered a small group of family on friends on a Saturday afternoon in June to perform the ceremony. Garrett sanded off the old name that morning and we spent the day preparing the boat for the celebration. We had the good fortune of a beautiful, sunny day (a rarity during summertime in San Francisco), and enjoyed grilling, drinking cocktails, and one another's company before conducting the ceremony at 6:00pm.
Our group gathered on the dock as Garrett and I stood on the bow, champagne in all of our hands. Garrett guided us through the boat name purging ceremony and boat renaming ceremony, details of which I've shared below. Champagne was poured, a bottle broken across the bow, and our boat was prepared to receive its new name.The ceremonies passed quickly, but are forever stamped in our memories with happiness and gratitude.
The two of us applied the new name (thank you for gifting it to us, dad!) the following Monday evening after work. It's hard to explain why, but putting our name onto the boat just felt so good. Like the boat is finally, wholly, completely ours.
Boat Name Purging Ceremony
First, you must prepare by removing every trace of the boat's current identity. Once everything that has the old name is removed, you have to make a metal tag with the old name written on it in water-soluble ink. To begin the ceremony, begin by invoking Poseidon as follows:
"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 (here insert the old name of your vessel) 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 is dropped from the bow of the boat into the sea.
"In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, 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. The remainder may be passed among your guests.
The renaming ceremony must be conducted immediately after the purging ceremony. For this you will need more champagne.
Boat Renaming Ceremony
Begin with reading:
“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 Thisldu, 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.”
"For thousands of years, we have gone to sea. We have crafted vessels to carry us and we have called them by name. These ships will nurture and care for us through perilous seas, and so we affectionately call them 'she.' To them we toast, and ask to celebrate Thisldu."
Everyone raises their glass and replies:
"TO THE SAILORS OF OLD…TO Thisldu”
Everybody takes a sip.
"The moods of the sea are many, from tranquil to violent. We ask that this ship be given the strength to carry on. The keel is strong and she keeps out the pressures of the sea."
Everyone raises their glass and replies:
"TO THE SEA...TO THE SAILORS OF OLD...TO THE SEA!"
Everybody takes another sip.
"Today we come to name this lady Thisldu, and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for the Ruhland family. We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God that is the sea to accept Thisldu as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely."
Everyone raises their glass and replies:
"TO THE SEA...TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US...TO Thisldu"
A last, long sip by all.
Now pour a bottle of champagne across the bow to appease Poseidon.
Lay a branch of green leaves on the deck to ensure safe returns.
Break the bottle across the bow.
The ceremony is complete, and you may now apply the new name to your vessel.
