Re-naming or not?

[Svalan]

Last fall I purchased a one-owner sailboat in Germany. The previous owner mainly sailed in Sweden and the boat's name is "Svalan" - - "Swallow" in english. It's a moderate displacement cruiser so the name is a bit of a misnomer in my view. However, it's pretty enough. I had thought of re-christening the boat in its new ownership to "Aries" and bought the letters. It's my wife's Zodiac and an important entity in celestial navigation. I've read all there is to read on more or less archaic re-naming ceremonies - - but now I'm doubtful. I'm educated in the natural sciences and like to think of myself as fairly rational. I woul like to ask the forum's learned seamen on their view on the subject: renaming or keeping the boat's original name. I wouldn't like to incur the wrath of Neptune. It's a boat constructed for deep sea work. Best Steffen

[markpierce]

A naming ceremony is a good excuse for a party.

[Amapola]

We've renamed boats before without the ceremony and were spared Neptune's fury. If you're a purist, I'd heed the ceremonial rites. Either way, the name should reflect qualities you embrace.

[cheoah]

Do what makes Ya happy, ceremony or not. I've renamed twice and failed to really do more than change the letters. On one, it was,painted and could not get rid of it all to rename. Could make out a little something, illegible, a shadow. A guy in Annapolis was,all,in a pickle about it, said it was unlucky. I really didn't care to grind all my gelcoat off and I'm just not worried about it. The next year that guy lost a boat off cape lookout during a delivery, sailing south out of Chesapeake with storms forecast and without fueling up. I'm superstitious enough to not do any of that though....

I say worry about important stuff, but if it's important to not rename a vessel that's your prerogative. I quite like svalan personally, but not my boat! I'm an Aries dude and fit the profile pretty well I guess.

Here's to many miles in your wake-


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[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Svalan

.............................
..................... I'm educated in the natural sciences and like to think of myself as fairly rational. ..................
................ I wouldn't like to incur the wrath of Neptune. ............

It doesn't seem that one person could have both these thoughts!

I'd choose the educated and rational persona and also feel free to party without and excuse!

[Cap Erict3]

I am of a mind to let the boat name itself. I changed the name of my boat at the signing and she told me what her name was the first night at anchor. I paid a little extra to change the docs again.

Yes, we made an offering of nectar and music on the night of the christening.


------------------------------
Looking for another pretty place to work on the boat.

[georgelieber]

I say keep her name as is. Svalan is the name for the bird... not the act of swallowing food... that is Svalja. Swallows have long been revered by mariners. Many sailors have traditionally had swallow tattoos. They signify a free spirit, a graceful voyage, and a safe return home. The swallows returning from their long migration to San Juan Capistrano has been admired by sailors for eons. You cannot help but feeling in awe with the sight of swallows gracefully looping through the rigging.

[Svalan]

Thanks all for valuable input.
Svalan it is.

[muttskie]

Originally Posted by georgelieber

I say keep her name as is. Svalan is the name for the bird... not the act of swallowing food... that is Svalja. Swallows have long been revered by mariners. Many sailors have traditionally had swallow tattoos. They signify a free spirit, a graceful voyage, and a safe return home. The swallows returning from their long migration to San Juan Capistrano has been admired by sailors for eons. You cannot help but feeling in awe with the sight of swallows gracefully looping through the rigging.

Well said! I agree it is a beautiful and meaningful name. I work in a major airport control tower and watching the swallows fly is awe inspiring and a privilege.

[valhalla360]

Personally, like it as an excuse to have a party.


Just make sure you hit the champaign bottle on something sturdy. Saw a bow rail get a nice little bend when got wacked hard with a bottle that didn't give way.

[DefinitelyMe]

What about changing the name but keeping the meaning the same? So, simply spelling the name as 'Swallow' in English. That way you'd have something more appropriate to your nationality, without incurring Neptune's wrath. He would have to be REALLY picky to take offence to that i think.......

[barnakiel]

If you have a vision of a perfect name for your boat then you should rename, I think. We renamed ours when we got her.

PS Some say Moet is the bare minimum level. Some say Remy Martin is a safer bet. One full glass overboard, the reminder inside.

Cheers,
b.

[alctel]

Svalan is a lovely name, easy to pronounce with a nice meaning.

If you do change it though, great excuse for a party and some hamming it up with the dramatics

[captain58sailin]

There has been a great deal of debate here regarding renaming or not. Personally I hold with the old school traditions of not renaming a vessel. The wisdom here is change the name you change the luck; so if the vessel is unlucky a name changing ceremony is in order, if not leave it be. I like the name of your vessel as is. I also do not leave port on a Friday. For the most part I consider myself a rational person, but there are things in the spiritual world that must be heeded.

[Hudson Force]

The "Old School" is in session and here's today's lesson. Rename or not and enjoy your choice and play with the thoughts, but serioulsly, there is no luck factor that comes with the choice. That's Old School and the old timer's that thought differently probably didn't attend school.