On Monday 7 May, at Nidri, we held a traditional renaming ceremony for LouLouDitsi.
Sailors are a superstitious bunch around boats, even if they show no sign of it ashore. Somehow, the gods seem very present on a boat when you’re so close to the elements and so affected by them. There are lots of theories about why it’s unlucky to rename boat, and also the thought that it’s unlucky to keep a name you don’t like. The ceremony is generally a social event and includes generous libations for the gods, the crew and guests. So why take the risk?
We were joined by Paul & Mel from Colombine of Chichester at 1930. IBA’s parts department had found us a piece of metal on which to inscribe (scratch!) the old name. We had the chilled bottle of fizz given to us at the Hotel Bella Venezia in Corfu and a 5 litre box of Greek dry white.
We gathered on the foredeck and began the ceremony – as it progressed, and more libations were taken, John kept an anxious eye on the tablet I was reading from at the bow! (we don’t have a printer onboard.)
The de-naming
First we need to ask Poseidon to remove the old name from the ledger of the deep:
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, we implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name Xxx which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea.
(Note that my superstition extends to not reproducing the old name here on the website!)
I drop the prepared metal tag from the bow of the boat into the sea and have a moment’s anxiety that it might float! Fortunately, it sinks, slowly and gracefully.
In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. I pour a glass of greek fizz into the sea from East to West.
John fills our glasses and we toast Poseidon.
The re-naming
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, we implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as LouLouDitsi, guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe, comfortable 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.
I pour another glass of fizz into the sea, from West to East this time.
John tops up our glasses and we toast Poseidon again and then LouLouDitsi.
Appeasing the 4 gods of the Winds
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 LouLouDitsi the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.
John refills the glass and, facing north, I fling it into the sea to the North as I 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.
John refills our glasses and we toast Boreas.
Facing west, I fling another glass to the West while intoning:
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.
John refills our glasses and we toast Zephyrus.
Facing east, I fling another glass 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.
John refills, we toast Eurus.
Facing south, I 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.
Johne refills, we toast Notus.
We stagger back to the cockpit (thank goodness I’d thought to put some nibbles out already) and continued our way through the wine box.
At some point, we decide to go for dinner together, and Paul and Mel take us to the well known Ola Kala restaurant, also known as Upside Down George’s – George, who runs it with his wife, was an Albanian acrobat! These days, we’re all a bit older, and George is taking things gently after recent heart surgery. The food and company are excellent.
The wine must’ve been good too – somehow, 2 litres evaporate as we eat.
A good night’s sleep zzzzzzz (that’s us, not a mosquito!)
Postscript
The following morning, not too bright and early, we meet Jackie, from the IBA office, on the pontoon: “A good renaming ceremony, last night I hear” she says with a knowing smile, “You’re getting a reputation already!” Sure enough, word has got around – this is a very small community. We’re greeted all morning with smiles and congratulations.