No sailor, even without superstitious tendencies, would change the name of a boat without some trepidation of bad luck to follow.
Here are some precautions you can take: (no guarantees implied)
Step 1
Remove all traces of the boats current name including name references on documents.
Step 2
Write the old name of the boat in water soluble ink on a strip of wood.
Step 3
Acquire two or more bottles of champagne and arrange for family and friends to attend your boat renaming ceremony.
Step 4
Stand on the bow of you boat and address Poseidon as follows:
In Greek mythology Poseidon was the god of the sea, earthquakes and horses. Although he was officially one of the supreme gods of Mount Olympus, he spent most of his time in his ocean domain.
” Oh, great and glorious ruler of the deep, we humbly request that the boat’s name on this piece of wood be removed from your kingdom’s records. At this point, drop the piece of wood tied with a line attached to the wood into the sea and then pour at least a bottle of champagne over the bow as well”.
Now make a second appeal to Poseidon:
” Oh mighty and omnipotent lord of the seas, we beseech that you record the name of this vessel henceforth as……… At this point say the new name out loud and pour a second bottle of champagne over the bow.
Remember, the new name should not be visible on the boat until the renaming ceremony is complete. If the new name has already been painted on the transom, cover it up until the end of the proceedings.
Some might say this is a great waste of champagne. But, if it brings you good luck on your sea voyages it’s a small price to pay!