Galley Wench Tales

Exploring the world through the people we meet
and the food they eat.

Boat Christening Ceremony

by | Feb 5, 2021 | christening a boat, cruising life, GulfStar 45 sailboat, Jacksonville's NAS Mulberry Cove Marina | 6 comments

Naming a boat is no casual affair—it involves some serious boat juju. Boat christening is a hallowed mariner tradition, not to be trifled with.


Since we spent a combined total of 14 hours removing and applying our new boat name,  not to mention all the effort in choosing our boat’s name, we were determined to do our boat christening right. 

For inspiration on what to say, I turned to two quotes from Jimmy Buffet’s A Salty Piece of Land.

now, more than ever, we don’t just enjoy our escapism, we NEED it.

and

There are no words to the song of the ocean, but the message is simple: not to forget where we came from. The melody is locked in the water that composes much of what we are. Most humans ignore that song. We hold the melody in our heart. It is a wandering song carried by the wind and currents. One day, when we find the place we are meant to be, we will take root. (slightly modified)


Then, with an “I christen thee Gallivant,” I whacked our pre-scored bottle of champagne, specially designed for boat christening. With a satisfying thud, it broke in the first swing—a sign of good luck. 

Christina and Carlos of Mulberry Cove Marina are on each side of Wayne.

More than where we go, we find what we remember most is those we share our time with. For that reason, we were delighted Carlos and Christina of NAS JAX’s Mulberry Cove Marina were willing to join us for Gallivant’s christening ceremony. Everyone on the base seemed to go out of their way to make our life better here, especially the RV park and even more so the marina. It was our small way of saying thanks for all they’ve done for us. Christina helped in the christening by taking a video and Carlos with his sincere enthusiasm.


Now we’re ready to cruise! 

Well, except for the fact that I still need to sell my car, and we’re still waiting for our paperwork for interim US Coast Guard registration paperwork and a good weather window. Soon, though. Very soon.

If you’d like a more detailed version of how to do a boat christening, here are two great sources

Location Location
We’re in NAS JAX Mulberry Cove Marina, N30 12.980 W81 40.234.
Another brilliant sunset from NAS JAX’s Mulberry Cove Marina, Jacksonville, Florida.

6 Comments

  1. Unknown
    Unknown on February 5, 2021 at 9:11 am

    WoW, maybe we see you again on this side of the Pacific, looking forward to following your travels again. Love from Helene & Steve xx

    Reply
  2. Michael Newton
    Michael Newton on February 5, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Happy trails! Or is it Happy Headings? Bon Voyage?

    Reply
  3. Unknown
    Unknown on February 6, 2021 at 1:10 am

    Great to see your video! Wayne looks happy to be ready to go. Enjoy the sail, fair winds and calm seas!

    Reply
  4. GalleyWenchTales
    GalleyWenchTales on February 10, 2021 at 1:28 am

    Helene & Steve, we're not currently planning to cross the Pacific again by boat but of course we'd love to see you again. Maybe we can host you aboard when you're ready to a flight out where we are. Or, I can envision us traveling again by plane out your way down the road.

    Miss you two!!!

    Reply
  5. GalleyWenchTales
    GalleyWenchTales on February 10, 2021 at 1:30 am

    All much better than "Watch out for pirates." "Aren't you afraid of storms?" etc.

    Bon Voyage, I believe would be the best fit but they're all good!

    Thanks, Michael! Wish we'd had more chance to catch up when we were in the 'couve.

    Reply
  6. GalleyWenchTales
    GalleyWenchTales on February 10, 2021 at 1:32 am

    Yes, thanks! We're both excited about returning to the tropics and the clear blue waters of the Bahamas. Soon!

    Sorry to not thank you directly—you show up just as "unknown."

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *