Elena Goes for a Sail

On August 2nd Elena, Julia & Dean's half-sister who lives in Berkeley, came down to stay with us for a few days, and we took her out for a sail. It was a nice day, although the wind was very light, and it was a bit overcast. But we went out for a sail anyway, and were treated to the sight of some of the Tall Ships, which are huge, classic wooden sailing vessels in the style of the schooners of yore, having a race off the coast. It was actually quite impressive to see one of those vast ships emerge from the mist. Here are a few shots of that day - Elena with Julia & Scott, Elena taking the helm, and one of the tall ships in the distance.

Christening Ceremony

On July 26 we held the official Christening Ceremony for Julianne. We invited a few friends down, plied them with food and champagne, and formally introduced Julianne to the Gods of the Sea. Here are a few pictures from that auspicious occasion. I'd put together a ceremony drawing from a number of sources that called out to various important Gods (Neptune, Poseidon, the Gods of the Wind, etc.) and involved pouring quite a bit of champagne around. Charlie also had a bottle specially-designed for boat christenings, netted and scored so that it will break when you smash it on the bow.




As our friends watched from the dock, I read the prepared ceremony, tossed champagne in all directions, and then at the appropriate moment, Charlie whacked that bottle on the bow. Nuthin happened - the bottle didn't break. Whack - He tried again...nuthin. "SLAM that sucker!" I cried! He tried again...still no luck. Finally, after several tries, it smashed with a satisfactory splash. And now, Julianne is official.

Here is a complete transcript of the Christening Ceremony:

Ancient maritime tradition holds that a proper christening ceremony ensures good fortune to the lady and her crew throughout the life of the vessel. There are two important steps of this ceremony: the naming of the ship, and the christening. I’m going to ask you all to participate in this important ceremony by speaking and sipping wherever you see “All”.

So first, the naming. According to legend, each and every vessel is recorded by name in the Ledger of the Deep and is known personally to Poseidon, or Neptune, the god of the sea. Tonight we are here to formally add Julianne’s name to this ledger, and to ask the gods of the winds and the sea to protect her and keep her, and us, safe.

We will start by invoking the god of the sea:

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 Julianne, guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe 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.

(At this point, one glass of Champagne is poured into the sea from West to East.)

All: “TO THE GREAT RULER OF THE SEAS!” (Everybody take a sip.)

The next step in the renaming ceremony is to appease the gods of the winds. This will assure us of fair winds and smooth seas. And so I speak this next section to these gods:

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 Julianne the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.

(Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North while intoning:) 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.

(Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling 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.

(Facing east, repeat and fling 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.

(Facing south, repeat, flinging 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.

All: “TO THE MIGHTY RULERS OF THE WINDS!” (Everybody take a sip.)

And now, the final step – the christening. No longer speaking to the gods, we are now speaking to the ships and sailors who have come before us, and to the sea itself.

For thousands of years, we have gone to sea. We have crafted vessels to carry us and we have called them by name. These ships nurture and care for us through perilous seas, and so we affectionately call them “she.” To them we toast, and ask to celebrate Julianne.

All: “TO THE SHIPS OF OLD…TO THE SEA!” (Everybody take a sip.)

The moods of the sea are many, from tranquil to violent. Many sailors have ventured across the mighty sea, some never to return. To these sailors, we ask you to give our ship the strength to carry on.

All: “TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US...TO THE SEA!” (Everybody take another sip.)

Today we come to christen this lady Julianne, and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for the Clark family. We ask the ships and sailors of old, and the sea, to accept Julianne, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely.

All: “TO THE SHIPS AND SAILORS OF OLD...TO THE SEA...TO JULIANNE!” (A last, long sip by all.)

And now we christen our ship JULIANNE!