Re-naming or not?

[captain58sailin]

Some of us did, but are still mindful that there are spirits to be aware of, education should not be equated with lack of spiritual awareness.

[cabo_sailor]

I've renamed my first boat and my current boat (they were both lousy names). Twenty years later they are both still swimming.

I was also an earth scientist when employed and refuse to take superstition seriously. However, I'm willing to compromise if the superstition is used to justify a party!! 🍸🍸


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[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by captain58sailin

................ still mindful that there are spirits to be aware of ...................

Oh yes, spirits! I totally forgot about the spirits. You'll hear no argument from me regarding being mindful of spirits.

[captian ron]

Was docking and kicked a fender over the side and some how it wasn't attached to the boat, got it back and decided to celebrate, sounds like you have a much better excuse to throw a party!

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Svalan

I wouldn't like to incur the wrath of Neptune.

Screw Neptune, he doesn't care about boat names! It isn't YOUR boat until it has the name YOU gave it!

[monte]

There's usually only a couple of times the boat name comes up. One is
When trying to spell it to marinas, customs etc, the other is when other boaters ask what the name means. So whatever is easier to spell and has a decent reason works..
I named my yacht aires because it's my wife's star sign and a star ancient mariners used to navigate by, or..
It's the German word for swallow, the bird, not the thing you do with pizza and beer... I bought it of some German guy and ..etc etc..

Btw our yacht Sephina is from a combination of our middle names and also the Arabic name for Argo Navis

[captain58sailin]

Sometimes, if you can be still and listen, your boat will tell you it's name.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by captain58sailin

Sometimes, if you can be still and listen, your boat will tell you it's name.

Finally, something I can agree with. My boat name, Aythya, is not only the genus name of the Canvassback Duck, but from the Greek, a term meaning without a sound; therefore, in the still and quiet I can hear my boat's name!

[Steadman Uhlich]

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.

George's answer has my vote. Swallows are a good omen for sailors.

i do wonder, what is swallow in Danish?

I enjoy some traditions, and naming a boat is a good one. She deserves a good name given with love and respect.

[Pete P]

I don't have my own boat (yet) but I have the name ready for her when I do. I pondered the significance (or otherwise) of changing the name and although I'm more rational these days, something deeply ingrained in me still spared a thought for the superstitions. Then I remembered that it is considered bad luck to have a woman on board, and given most of us probably have a significant other and/or children be part of a cruising lifestyle - not forgetting the many female skippers and boat owners - it would seem a little selective to allow one superstition to influence us but not another, based solely on justified convenience.

My problem now is that I have two names I want to use but no boats to give them to.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Pete P

I don't have my own boat (yet) but I have the name ready for her when I do. I pondered the significance (or otherwise) of changing the name and although I'm more rational these days, something deeply ingrained in me still spared a thought for the superstitions. Then I remembered that it is considered bad luck to have a woman on board, and given most of us probably have a significant other and/or children be part of a cruising lifestyle - not forgetting the many female skippers and boat owners - it would seem a little selective to allow one superstition to influence us but not another, based solely on justified convenience.

My problem now is that I have two names I want to use but no boats to give them to.

I understand your point.

(EDIT) Earlier, here in this comment, I posted something (a photo and a joke) when I was in my typical humorous good mood, then thought better of it and removed it.

My sincere apologies if my attempt at humor offended anyone. I think some nautical traditions are fun. Some others are silly superstitions. I often enjoy them as "historical lore" and consider most harmless and interesting to consider.

I have sincere and great respect for women sailors (e.g. Sam Davies), and some not-so-famous women sailors (e.g. Ann Cate on this forum) have taught me many helpful lessons. They will always be welcomed equally on my boat.

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

George's answer has my vote. Swallows are a good omen for sailors.

i do wonder, what is swallow in Danish?

I enjoy some traditions, and naming a boat is a good one. She deserves a good name given with love and respect.

In Danish Svalan is spelled

Svalen (the bird).

Lots of boats in Denmark are named Svalen

[captain58sailin]

Children always have bad luck on my boat, they seem to fall overboard if they are noisy or annoying.

[Banshe]

G'day,

Did you know it is unlucky to have women on board? And what about sailing on Friday? Phew I say. Do what you want, it's your boat.

[Azul]

[QUOTE=monte;1831364]There's usually only a couple of times the boat name comes up. One is
When trying to spell it to marinas, customs etc, the other is when other boaters ask what the name means. So whatever is easier to spell and has a decent reason works..
I named my yacht aires because it's my wife's star sign and a star ancient mariners used to navigate by, or..
It's the German word for swallow, the bird, not the thing you do with pizza and beer... I bought it of some German guy and ..etc etc..

Best logical advice yet! Also, outside of Denmark who could spell the name or understand it on the radio?

My GF didn't like the prior name on my boat (Running Free) and she definitely would make me change the name Swallow for the same reason. At least it isn't Swallower