Boat renaming ceremony

The boat needed to be renamed.....and you MUST please the sea gods to do this!  This is serious business!


The previous name (which, according to marine lore should never be mentioned again!) had already been removed from the boat.

This is the step at the back of the boat.  Perfect place to put the US Coast Guard required name and home port.

We had the appropriate label shipped to us.

All done with the actual labeling.....it was time for a small party!!

Fellow Manta owners came over -  James and Crystal from Tex Pie and Cookie from Cool Change helped us celebrate.  (Sorry to have missed Jay from Cool Change - he was out of town).  Ready to toast the "Sea Gods" and ask forgiveness for renaming the boat.

Here is the text that was read and toasted.  Hopefully we'll be safe in our travels now!

 

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 as Sojourn, 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.

(open the bottle of wine, pour one glass for the Captain and one glass for the First Mate but don't drink yet, now pour a portion over the bow into the sea from West to East, then drink your wine, attendees can also toast the boat at this point)

For this part you will need another bottle of wine and a small glass.

Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel Sojourn the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.

--(Facing north, pour wine into the glass and fling to the North as you intone.)
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.
- (Facing west, repeat and fling to the West.)
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.
- (Facing east, repeat and fling to the East.)
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.

- (Facing south, repeat and fling to the South.)
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.
And to the greatest of all, mighty Aeolus guardian of all winds and all that blows before them, we ask your favor and kindness for fair winds and smooth seas in our endeavors as we humbly pass through your kingdom.

 After we all had our toasts, it was time to "reveal" the name on the boat! 

Duane did the honors.

Ta'Da!!!   Sojourn.....

noun

1.

a temporary stay:

 

verb (used without object)

2.

to stay for a time in a place; live temporarily:

 

Fun to have a boat name that's "ours"....

In case you're interested...here's a few shots during the installation of the lettering on the side of the boat.  Simple process, but a bit tedious.  Tape the label in place, peel off the "sticky" side....press carefully in place trying to avoid any "air bubbles".

Then peel the backing away - all done!