How Do You Christen A New Boat?

[GaryMayo]

Can't really see me breaking a bottle over her hull. Seems like a waste, and a hazard for the lake and occupants.

I am thinking maybe put her in the middle of the lake, and maybe have a glass of wine as a toast to our good fortune as we watch the sun set.

[Mac26Mpaul]

If a ship/boat is going to be christemed. it will happen when it first goes in water.

But celebrating your new boat with a glass of wine while watching the sunset still seems like a fine idea to me

[pokerrick1]

How do you christen a new boat?

I'll never tell

Rick

[kmclemore]

A mohel cuts an inch off your foresail cover.

I recommend the Manischewitz Extra Heavy Malaga to celebrate.

[NiceAft]

OK Kevin,

Am I now going to see you at Temple Sinai on Saturday?

Ray

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

But celebrating your new boat with a glass of wine while watching the sunset still seems like a fine idea to me

Mr Paul -- Yep, you've got the right idea...set anchor lights, set the hook, roll up the canvas, and sit on the boat with your "better-half" and watch the sunset -- wine is optional. The nice thingie about this sorta event...you can repeat it often. After all...the boat is always "NEW" and inspirational sunset displays are never the same. Dont forget the camera.

Happy sailing.

[Laika 26X]

I didn't "crack" the Champagne bottle on her, but I did shake it up , let the cork fly and allow the resulting shower spray all along her port side at the dock as I said the Mariners Prayer.

Dear Lord,
Be good to me. Your sea is so wide, and my boat is so small.

All the town dock workers and locals watching cheered! Quite a scene that I'll NEVER forget
If you're REALLY that environmentally conscience (not a bad thing) and think the liter or so of Champagne is going to bother the environment, you (we all should) need to stop using anti-fouling paint and use this....
Environmentally Friendly A/F Paint
I'm sure even the ECO friendly cleaners do more harm than the champagne.

But your post "water splash" idea is great too!

"Sub" Ed

[Catigale]

You should not let such bad water contaminate a good bottle of champagne...its a French thing

[seahouse]

I think Gary is referring to the broken glass as being a hazard to the environment, not the bubbly!

The christening traditions seem to be pretty diverse these days.

We christened boat of us quite by accident, hadn’t planned it at that time. After we took delivery she sat in the driveway for 6+ weeks while I frantically did the most pressing mods after work (barrier coats, anti-foul, rudder/ steering etc) before it first hit the water.

One fine evening the admiral brought out a Corona and I stopped work while we sat in the cockpit under the full enclosure pretending we were (“camping”) on the water (easy, since we live on the beach and could both see and hear the waves).

While I was simulating wave action, the bottle spilled and sent a trail of foam along the seat, down the floor, and out the well. Well, we concluded that the boat had just christened itself the name we were discussing at the time.

Sometimes you just have to go with it.

I expect that that’s close enough to a christening to qualify her for a lifetime of good luck and fair winds!

Of course, we do not turn down the opportunity for an additional toast any time friends join us on the water for the first time.

-Brian.

[seahouse]

Hey Laika!

Re: Anti-foul coat. Like that paint link!
"Stenoprophilicity". I like that too, a new word to know.

I noticed that what looks to be a link to their White Paper is a dead link, though (in the FAQ's). Have you (or anyone) tried this paint? I haven't seen it in Practical Sailor tests yet.

-B.