ship’s log 5: boat christening
As you are already aware, we have made the big decision to change our boat's name. However, among sailors, there exists a strong belief in superstitions and traditions. Thus, it is imperative to adhere to specific rituals to ensure the name change does not bring misfortune to the boat and the crew.
First, one must appease Poseidon, the revered god of the sea, to divert his focus from the renaming process. Following that, it is customary to intoxicate the sea snake by pouring rum into the ocean. This facilitates a ritualistic "killing" of the snake by taking back and forth across the water's surface. Additionally, all crew members aboard must partake in rum, demonstrating their respect for Poseidon. Moreover, the boat itself must be ceremoniously christened with rum.
We undertook all these practices with great solemnity. For this significant event, both of our parents traveled from Switzerland and Greece to join us in the UK. Karin's mother and Reto's father have taken the role of godparents to our boat. They even prepared a heartfelt speech, wishing us and our vessel, Lív, all the best for the adventures that lie ahead.
The occasion was profoundly moving, and our excitement for what is to come is undescribable. To enhance the magic of the moment, only minutes after pouring the rum into the water, three magnificent dolphins appeared! They gracefully swam around our boat, providing us with their company for over an hour.
