So yesterday the hull was sanded and the old name was taken off. It is utterly important not to leave her without a name. I decided to rename her about a year ago, but the time to actually do it arrived today.
I had many ideas for the name, but Aloha won. Capricorn is OK, but it sounds too masculine and she is a pretty, lovely lady. Aloha!
My daughter and son also participated at the ceremony. I wanted to do it properly so I looked it up. I found this text which I read aloud:
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, implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name Capricorn 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. (At this point, the prepared name plate is dropped from the bow of the boat into the trash can.)
In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (Áron poured at half of the glass of rum onto the ground from East to West. The remainder we drank (meaning Áron drank a sip and the rest I did).
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, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as Aloha, 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, Fanni sprinkled rum from West to East.)
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 Aloha the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs. (Facing north, I poured a generous libation of Rum into a glass and Fanni put her fingers into the Rum and sprinkled with them to the North as I intoned:) 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, Fanni spinkled the same amount of Rum to the West while I was 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, Fanni repeated and sprinkled 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, Fanni repeated, sprinkling 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.