This is our plan for the day – we’ll share the photos later. Let us know if there are superstitions we’ve failed to incorporate!
Morning preparations:
Claire takes the keys to her anniversary present (OK, I made this bit up!)
Claire cleans boat inside (and makes biscuits, but that’s less to do with the ceremony)
Owen takes boat plaque for engraving with new name (and strikes through her old name on the original plaque)
Children clean boat outside, and find as many compasses as they can; and invite friends around
(This can’t be done in advance – whoever is meant to be there will be – although we did forewarn one or two people that this might happen!)
Mid-morning break
Boys walk around the boat three times and explain to her why she’s being renamed from Grace and Favour (meant something to previous owners, too formal for us) to Eva Luna (stories of adventures around the World). . (Thanks to Luggermat for this one)
Also write the story of boat’s original name for ledger
Claire shops for last minute bits for afternoon and collects parcel which should be at mailbox address (Neptune/Poseidon willing!)
Owen goes through official paperwork and removes old name (including boat paperwork and license)
Light lunch – friends around approx. 2pm
Denaming (Vigor’s ceremony)
Renaming
Vigor’s Denaming Ceremony
Taking her name from the ledger of the deep!
“In the name of all who have sailed aboard this ship in the past, and in the name of all who may sail aboard her in the future, we invoke the ancient Gods of the wind and the sea to favour us with their blessing today.
“Mighty Neptune, king of all that moves in or on the waves; and mighty Aeolus (pronounced EE-oh-lus), guardian of the winds and all that blows before them:
“We offer you our thanks for the protection you have afforded this vessel in the past. We voice our gratitude that she has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe passage to port.
“Now, wherefore, we submit this supplication, that the name whereby this vessel has hitherto been known (Grace and Favour), be struck and removed from your records.
“Further, we ask that when she is again presented for blessing with another name, she shall be recognized and shall be accorded once again the selfsame privileges she previously enjoyed.
“In return for which, we rededicate this vessel to your domain in full knowledge that she shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the gods of the wind and the sea.
“In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we seal this pact with a libation offered according to the hallowed ritual of the sea.”
Naming
(With thanks to Commander Bob and others)
“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 Eva Luna.”
Toast – Raise glasses and shout: “TO THE SAILORS OF OLD…TO EVA LUNA.”
“The moods of the sea and the river 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 and the river.”
Toast – Raise glasses and shout: “TO THE SEA…TO THE SAILORS OF OLD…TO THE SEA!”
“Today we come to name this lady Eva Luna), and send her to waters to be cared for, and to care for the Page family. We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God to accept Eva Luna as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely. “
Toast – Raise glasses and shout: “TO THE SEA…TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US…TO EVA LUNA”
Sacrifices:
Owen faces north and intones:
“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.
Everyone flings their libation to the water to the North
Claire faces west and intones:
“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.
Everyone flings an identical libation to the water to the West
Rhys faces east and intones:
“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.
Everyone flings an identical libation to the water to the East
Morgan faces south and intones:
“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.
Children lay a branch of green leaves on the deck to ensure safe returns
And general merriment shall ensue!
