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Old Name, New Beginning - Re-Naming Wanderlust

sailawayblog
Oct 25, 2015
3 min read

Every good sailor knows that changing a boat's name is supposedly bad luck. But, what about reverting a boat's name back to her original?

We truly felt that Wanderlust is our boat's true name, having had it for most of her life. The previous name was only hers for 2 years out of 36, and the name was a silly play-on-words that mismatched Wanderlust's elegance, and the feeling of adventure she instills. Once we learned her old name was Wanderlust, it was obvious that it was meant to be. We had to change it back!

However we weren't sure on the sailor protocol for reverting a name. We decided it would be safest to conduct the formal re-naming process and ceremony, just to address any bad luck. Better safe than sorry, they say!

Plus, we were excited to plan a party to signify the beginning of our new adventure, and the special bond we'll create with this old boat.

Here's the steps we took to re-name Wanderlust.

Cleanse the old name from the boat

We started by wiping the old name from the boat. And man, this was a challenge! The previous owners labeled everything on this vessel. When I say everything, I mean that they must have had a permanent marker on hand at all times. They labeled every book and maintenance log, every key floaty, every paddle and every life jacket.

We searched documentation and surveys to remove any instances of the old name, and replaced it with Wanderlust. Acetone was used to remove the permanent marker from fenders and paddles, and we wrote over anything we could still see. In instances where the name just couldn't be removed, like the on deck water tanks and the dinghy, we were forced to paint over the old name.

Add the new name

Once we were sure we had wiped the old name from the vessel, it was time to bring back the boat's original name, Wanderlust. We had the vinyl lettering made based on the old survey photos of Wanderlust, so the font is hopefully very similar to her original.

The process of applying the new name was very reminiscent of applying those fake tattoos from your childhood. It involves parchment backing, water, pressing, then pulling the paper to reveal your final product! How fun!

First, we cleaned the fiberglass hull thoroughly with soap and water. Next, we wet the area and peeled the paper backing to reveal the sticky side of the letters. The letters were then applied to the hull, with the parchment backing facing out. We soaked the parchment backing with water and used an old credit card to press out any bubbles or lines.

Finally, we peeled the parchment backing off of the letters for the big reveal!

The finished product turned out great!

Conduct Re-Naming Ceremony

We invited everyone we know in Key West to attend our naming ceremony, which adds up to about ten people, three dogs, and one kitten. We wrote our own version of a re-naming ceremony because we didn't find anything online that sounded appropriate for us and for our boat's history. Here's how our ceremony went:

"In honor of all who have sailed aboard this ship in the past, and all those who may sail aboard her in the future, we invoke the ancient Gods of the wind and sea to favor us with their blessing today.

"Mighty Neptune, king of all that moves in or on the waves; and mighty Aeolus, guardian of the winds and all that blows before them:

"We submit this supplication to you, to take into your records and recollection this worthy vessel, hereafter and for all time known as Wanderlust, guiding her with your graciousness and power, ensuring safe passage throughout her journeys.

"In appreciation of your greatness and might, we offer these libations.

At this point, the Captain and the Mate (Ben and I) each got a glass of champagne, then dumped the rest of the bottle from West to East, which was the stern of the boat to the bow.

"To the wind!

"To the Sea!

"To Wanderlust!

Cheers!"

Drink, Then Drink Some More

This was the easiest part of the re-naming process - celebrating! We spent the rest of our night enjoying wine, rum and a few beers with our neighbors and friends.

We enjoyed ourselves so much that Ben and I forgot to take pictures until the end of the night when everyone had gone home and the ceremony was over. Oops!