What's in a Name?
For some months, I have cogitated over what to name the boat that I would eventually buy. I went through several phases of thought.
When I first envisaged sailing solo across the Pacific by the time I am 70, and while my mother is still alive, I thought to use the term of endearment my father used for my mother . . . Mildred
. . . yes my father was a romantic soul😊. I wanted to honor my mother and my father.
Reality Sinks In
But the harsh reality of finding the finances to buy the boat sunk in. A life in the NPO world has been hugely rewarding and satisfying in so many ways, but not with zeroes in the bank account. So, I thought I would try to sell the naming rights to the boat to raise the cash. Then I woke up one morning and said ... " Damn! It will be my boat and I want to name it!
"
So, we put together the Keel Clubwhere sponsors could name parts of the boat but not the whole boat (btw; thanks to the three founding members of the Keel Club who have joined me in this adventure. . .more news to follow).
I was then advised, and it seemed to make sense, that, as the boat will serve as a metaphor and motif for Navigate 22
(the ethics, sustainability and social legacy consultancy I am starting later this year), the boat should bear the same name as the Company. So the name NAV22 was being considered and I even began to look at some possible logos. But that idea quickly gave way to the conclusion that the boat should bear the name of the great adventure she and I will have ... 'Pacific Solo'.
So it was decided. Last week, I wrote down Pacific Solo
as the "Name of the Boat" on the document that would be submitted on the day that the registration of the boat would transfer from Marcus to myself.
But I had a niggle
Partly caused by my research, revealing the importance of rituals in the marine world where de-naming a boat (an act of sacrilege whereupon one must appease the gods) and naming a boat (a sacred act requiring divine blessings) required special rituals. Now, I love rituals. An important part of human life. In fact, I have even written a book about the importance of rituals and ceremonies for boys becoming men
!
And then, in discovering the significance of names for boats, it struck me. I am not the new owner
of the boat! I am merely the new
custodian
. So, out of respect to the sailing vessel that is now under my care, and respect for all those that love her and have sailed her, I must retain her name.
So friends: let me introduce you to ‘ SV Wahine
’ (Polynesian for Woman, Girl, Wife etc.)
As of yesterday, the 27th of June, I became her legal guardian.
Oh ... and I have also decided to give her a nickname which I will use from time to time ... it is the term of endearment I have for my grandmother and my children have for my mother ... ‘GG’. And I suppose there may be times, after high drama or milestone moments, that I may also embrace her helm, or high five her bow, or even hug the mast and whisper ... "Thanks Mildred.."
