Launching Our New Yachts Manhattan & Batida

‘I name this ship Manhattan/Batida, and may she bring fair winds and good fortune to all who sail in her!’

After the dismal weather on Saturday, we didn’t hold out much hope for the naming and first sail of our two new boats. So when we were greeted on the pontoons by beautiful sunshine and the promise of some nice winds, we knew the sailing gods were smiling on us.

We had invited friends, family and instructors of First Class Sailing to be with us on this exciting day as we officially named and introduced our new boats to the world.

Naming ceremonies have been an important part of boat owning throughout the ages and continues today for crafts or all sizes. Our boats from Jeanneau and ceremony, might not be as grand as the naming of a Cunard cruise ship, but it is essential all the same as these are lovely yachts.

Joining the ‘Ledger of the Deep’

According to legend, 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. To name a vessel without consulting Poseidon is to invoke his wrath, so in order to name a boat; a ceremony is used to appease the gods of the sea.

Now whilst the ceremony for First Class Sailing’s new boats was less about the legend and more about the celebration of new boats, we certainly don’t want to upset the God of the Sea!

Historically, vessels have had bottles smashed on the hull before sending them on their way as a symbol of good luck and fortune. Originally a bottle of holy water was used to bless the boat and then whisky or bourbon but in the late 1800’s this changed to Champagne in a sign of the times as it was in vogue and considered more elegant.

How to Break a Bottle on a Boat

In the tradition, we bought two bottles of champagne, one for each yacht (plus a bottle or two for consumption!) and took them to a glazier to get ‘scored’. This is the process of in-perfecting or marking the glass to allow it to break more easily on contact with the boat. With a tungsten bit the glazier marked a grid pattern on the bottles.

It is considered unlucky for the bottle to not break upon hitting the boat. So on the day, whilst considering the best spot on which to aim the bottle, the suggestion was made to avoid denting the hull of the boat by aiming for the metal and sharp edges of the anchor. A debate ensued on whether or not this could be considered part of the boat as it could be removed. A consensus was settled on the bow roller and we lowered the anchor to allow a larger target!

New Yachts on the Solent

With Champagne in hand, First Class Sailing principle, Charlie Tulloch made a speech and introduced the boats before his wife Begonia and special invited guest Amaia Palacio stepped forward in turn to christen the boats.

The bottles burst successfully first time on impact and if the engrail sail that followed was any indication, it would seem Poseidon has accepted both Batida and Manhattan to his Seas.

All of First Class Sailing’s RYA courses will be held in these new yachts and for the lastest dates please visit this page.

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