We Avoided the Curse by Following Every Step in This Boat Renaming Ceremony
Most of us have heard the superstition: renaming a boat is bad luck. The warning comes from maritime folklore, which claims that neglecting to inform Neptune (god of the sea) and the wind deities can anger these elemental powers. Thankfully, tradition offers a solution — a detailed boat renaming ceremony designed to keep everything in harmony.
January 2015 - Warnings About Renaming a Boat
When we purchased Neşko, we knew big changes were ahead. Along with ownership and registry updates, we planned to change the boat’s name. Simple, right? Submit paperwork, pay fees, repaint the name, and — voilà — it’s done. Or so I thought.
Every time I mentioned renaming the boat, I was met with raised eyebrows and grim stories. Well-maintained boats supposedly succumbed to engine failure. Others developed mysterious leaks or suffered bizarre accidents. One person even warned me about a boat capsizing on a calm day!
A quick dive into the internet revealed that renaming a boat can indeed bring bad luck — if you skip the ceremony that updates Neptune’s records. The consequences of ignoring this tradition? They sound far worse than any government fine.
May 2015 - The Boat Renaming Ceremony
Determined to avoid trouble, we followed every step of the boat renaming ritual. Here’s how it went:
Remove Every Trace of the Old Name.
Everything with the old name—life buoys, logbooks, charts—had to go. Even the dinghy didn’t escape scrutiny. The rule was clear: no remnants of Neşko’s name could remain.
Offer the Old Name to Neptune.
We wrote the name Neşko on a sinking object (one in water-soluble ink, one in permanent ink — just to cover our bases). Then, with friends as witnesses, we cast it into the sea, asking Neptune to erase the name from his records. Of course, this step required a generous offering of libations to Neptune. Sharing is key!
Delay and Hold the New Naming Ceremony.
After a respectful delay (presumably for Neptune’s clerical team to process the paperwork), we hosted the official naming celebration. Think champagne smashed on the hull, heartfelt speeches, and cheers all around. Neptune and the wind gods were honored in style, with plenty of libations shared among our guests.
Welcome the New Name, Leave the Old Behind.
Only after the ceremony could items bearing the new name Arkadaslik board the vessel. And under no circumstances was anything with the old name allowed back. Ever.
By early May 2015, we had successfully completed the rituals. The newly christened Arkadaslik embarked on her inaugural journey to Rhodes with nine excited guests — and no signs of Neptune’s displeasure!
Update: November 2024 - Did We Avoid the Curse?
Over nine years later, we’re happy to report that Arkadaslik has been a loyal companion. Sure, we’ve dealt with the occasional hiccup (what boat owner hasn’t?), but no disasters or ominous signs of bad luck. It’s safe to say we’re believers in the power of tradition — and in Neptune’s good graces.
Whether you view it as superstition or respect for centuries - old maritime lore, following a boat renaming ceremony feels like the right way to honor your vessel, the sea, and the journey ahead.