How to christen your boat
Christening a newly acquired boat varies depending on the country, religious views and superstition of the boat owners. It is usually unheard of that a new vessel will let sail on the waters without the official christening ceremony of some sort as many believe that this will protect the vessel from harm when navigating waters.
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Boat christening methods explained
Many believe the official method of boat christening is to smash a bottle of expensively priced champagne against the boat before it sets sail for the first time. Although many also believe that two bottles of champagne are required – one for the boat and one as an offering to the ‘gods of the sea’ which will then be poured into the sea around the boat.
Champagne however is not the official christening fluid, but in fact, wine is – normally red wine. Champagne is the christening fluid of choice for many high net worth individuals wishing to christen their extravagant boat as wine does not provide much exclusivity or elegance to the christening process.
Depending on your country of domicile and religious views, this may determine how your vessel will be christened, as many Christian and Jewish followers are known to launch their vessel with prayers and the use of either wine or water as the christening fluid. Some religious persons will even request that a priest bless the boat before its first sail.
Traditionally a large metal cup known as a standing cup was used by the ‘presiding official’ of the boat to sip wine as the vessel left the dock for the first time. Once the ceremonial sip from the cup was taken the remaining wine was poured on the deck below and the cup thrown overboard.
For most, the popular christening method of choice is simply pour a bottle of their favourite drink, be it champagne or wine, on the hull of your boat before it is officially launched on its first nautical trip. Many people are concerned with the damage that smashed glass would do to the side of their boat and so prefer to pour the christening fluid over the boat.
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