Renaming a boat is a serious matter. According to legend, each vessel is recorded by name in the Ledger of the Deep and is known personally to Poseidon, or Neptune, the God of the Sea. If proper procedures are not followed when renaming a vessel, it can result in bad luck. To change the name of a boat, it must first be purged from the Ledger of the Deep and from Poseidon's memory. The process begins with the thorough removal or obliteration of every trace of the boat's current identity. Once every reference to her old name has been removed from her, a metal tag with the old name written on it in water-soluble ink is prepared. Several bottles of champagne are also required for the ceremony.

On a beautiful Fall day in the middle of Lake Pontchartrain, along with Melissa's family, we held a proper christening ceremony wherein we renamed our Lagoon catamaran from her old name of Kariann to her new name Indigo Moon.

Buddy began the ceremony by invoking the name of the ruler of the deep:

"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 Kariann 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 metal tag is dropped from the bow of the boat into the sea.)

In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court."

Buddy then poured half the Champaign into Lake Pontchartrain from East to West.

Then the renaming ceremony began by calling Poseidon:

"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 know as Indigo Moon, guarding her with our mighty arm and trident and insuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm.

In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court."

At this point, more champagne was poured into Lake Pontchartrain.

The next step was to appease the gods for the winds, which assures fair winds and smooth seas. The four winds are brothers, so it is permissible to invoke them all at the same time.

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

Buddy faced North and recited the following after offering Poseidon more champagne:

"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 and pouring champagne to the west:

"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 and pouring champagne 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 might breath"

Facing south and pouring champagne 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, every sparing us the overwhelming scourge of scalding breath."

Having ceremoniously and successfully completed the expungment of the old name, Kariann, and with the proper registry of the new name, Indigo Moon, with Poseidon and the various Gods of wind, it was safe to apply the new name of Indigo Moon to the boat so as to begin her new life with good luck and proper homage having been paid to the legendary Gods and Rulers of the deep blue sea.