Test fitting the name.....

Before opening day we actually did test fit the name on the carolmarie.  We also took some shots of the new varnish on the cap rail.  She is turning out to be a real looker down at the marina.

Test fitting the name on the boat

Charing had the surface waxed and polished to remove all the dirty and try to erase the old name.  The next step is wet the surfaces and wet the vinyl lettering.  The place and smooth the lettering down.  On the NiSe this process took about three hours for the transom.  That was only one surface, and one application, now I have four to do.

Once the test fit was done we took a couple of shots at the Britol Finish on the cap rail.  Here you can see how smooth and glossy she it is.

Its hard to see where the cap rail ends and the sky begins.  From further away she looks like this....

Well I can't wait any longer the name must go on the boat this week as per the Coast Guard Regulations.  Therefore we will be having a commissioning party at Salpare Bay Marina to christen the new name on the ship.   The christen will take place according to Maritime Tradition at noon on Sunday May 19th. 2013.

Tradition states that the old name is never spoken by the crew, or captain once taken over from the old owner.  The old name must be removed from the vessel for at least a month so the sea forgets her old name.  All offending paperwork with the old name had to be removed from the boat.  Then the following words must be said at the christening with her skippers and as many of her crew as can attend.

"I name this ship ___________ and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail on her. In the name of all who have sailed aboard this ship in the past, and in the name of all who may sail aboard her in the future, we invoke God to favor us with their blessing today. Mighty God that moves the waves; and guardian of the winds and all that blows before them: We offer you our thanks for the protection you have afforded this vessel in the past. We voice our gratitude that she has always found shelter from tempest and storm and enjoyed safe passage to port. We ask that when she is again presented for blessing with another name, she shall be recognized and shall be accorded once again the selfsame privileges she previously enjoyed. In return for which, we rededicate this vessel to Your domain in full knowledge that she shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the wind and the sea. In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we seal this pact with a libation offered according to the hallowed ritual of the sea." [ok – I made most of it up… borrowing from John Vigor's work…. But hell you guys know me already…. Let's have fun christening the boat]

So please come join us, at slip E3 Salpare Bay Marina at 11:30 am Sunday morning.  Mimosas will be served, and at noon, while the sun is highest we'll christen the CarolMarie. Then stick around for a bit of fun and conversation.