Last weekend I brought my new Typhoon home from Atlanta, Ga to Austin, Tx. For the most part the trip home went very well, and for that I feel very lucky.
Much to my surprise this boat has never been named. My first choice for a name is Herradura, which is Spanish for horseshoe (lucky) and is also the brand name of one of my favorite tequilas.
My question is: Should I name my boat after something (horseshoe) that sinks? Could this be considered bad luck?
I'm not usually overly superstitious, but in the case of boats and water, I'm not interested in taking any chances.
Thanks for your thoughts, and thanks also to everyone who offered towing and trailering advice before my trip.
Ron Ellis
Ty Weekender Hull# 1537
tophat@io.com
Naming my Typhoon
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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John Vigor
Re: Naming my Typhoon
Ron, go right ahead and christen her "Herrudura." It sounds like a splendid name, and it's important that you should be happy with it, too.
Bad luck is only attracted by boats with presumptuous names--names that challenge the sea or the wind or the gods who govern them. I'm thinking of names that boast about a boat's ability to conquer the elements, like Ocean Tamer or Gale Buster. That's simply tempting the fates. The gods of the wind and the sea prefer boat names to be humble--and I think "Herradura" fits that description nicely.
As I have said before, naming a ship "Titanic" is asking for trouble, too. In Greek mythology, the most important of the 12 Titans, the vengeful Kronos, cut off his father's wedding tackle with a sickle and threw them into the sea. Can you imagine how Neptune, god of the sea, was insulted, and how he must have felt about a ship named after the Titans?
The "Titanic" was ill-fated from the start, anyway. She was launched without a naming ceremony, without asking the blessing of the gods. Her fate was sealed right there.
So go ahead, buy the most expensive bottle of champagne you can reasonably afford (the gods hate pennypinchers) and either break it over the bow in the traditional manner, or spray it over the bow--all of it. If you want a sip, bring another bottle of your own, preferably a cheaper kind, so you're not besting the gods.
I'm sure you and your wisely chosen new boat will enjoy many good times together in complete safety. Fair winds and happy days.
John Vigor
jvigor@qwest.net
Bad luck is only attracted by boats with presumptuous names--names that challenge the sea or the wind or the gods who govern them. I'm thinking of names that boast about a boat's ability to conquer the elements, like Ocean Tamer or Gale Buster. That's simply tempting the fates. The gods of the wind and the sea prefer boat names to be humble--and I think "Herradura" fits that description nicely.
As I have said before, naming a ship "Titanic" is asking for trouble, too. In Greek mythology, the most important of the 12 Titans, the vengeful Kronos, cut off his father's wedding tackle with a sickle and threw them into the sea. Can you imagine how Neptune, god of the sea, was insulted, and how he must have felt about a ship named after the Titans?
The "Titanic" was ill-fated from the start, anyway. She was launched without a naming ceremony, without asking the blessing of the gods. Her fate was sealed right there.
So go ahead, buy the most expensive bottle of champagne you can reasonably afford (the gods hate pennypinchers) and either break it over the bow in the traditional manner, or spray it over the bow--all of it. If you want a sip, bring another bottle of your own, preferably a cheaper kind, so you're not besting the gods.
I'm sure you and your wisely chosen new boat will enjoy many good times together in complete safety. Fair winds and happy days.
John Vigor
jvigor@qwest.net
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Neil Gordon
Re: Naming my Typhoon
>>The "Titanic" was ill-fated from the start, anyway.<<
And they had to be so arragant to say, "God himself couldn't sink this ship!"
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
And they had to be so arragant to say, "God himself couldn't sink this ship!"
Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUIDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167
neil@nrgordon.com
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Ed Haley
Re: Naming my Typhoon
I think John's rational on what to not name a boat is great. We sailors do not like to tempt fate any more than we sometimes find ourselves doing.
When I purchase a boat, I allow myself a little time to get to know her before I place a name on her. Sometimes her temperment jumps out at you suggesting a name and sometimes not. I once had a daysailer who drew blood on me each time I launched her. I named her "Gotcha." One small sailboat I had was good at being beached on the shore and launched from the shore. I named her "Tank." I've also kept the original name on a boat.
Your name of Herradura is right for you since you've got an attachment for the name. IMHO, whatever name you pick for a boat should give rise to positive feelings within yourself. As you get to know her better, a bond will form that's pretty strong. A good name will enhance the relationship.
eghaley@twcny.rr.com
When I purchase a boat, I allow myself a little time to get to know her before I place a name on her. Sometimes her temperment jumps out at you suggesting a name and sometimes not. I once had a daysailer who drew blood on me each time I launched her. I named her "Gotcha." One small sailboat I had was good at being beached on the shore and launched from the shore. I named her "Tank." I've also kept the original name on a boat.
Your name of Herradura is right for you since you've got an attachment for the name. IMHO, whatever name you pick for a boat should give rise to positive feelings within yourself. As you get to know her better, a bond will form that's pretty strong. A good name will enhance the relationship.
eghaley@twcny.rr.com
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Tod Mills
Unlucky names: How about "BuscaBrisas", John?
I'm told it is Spanish for "Lookin' for Breezes". Am I asking to get caught in a hurricane?
So far the boat seems to have lead an active, normal, happy healthy life (all THIRTEEN years of it with that name).
Sign me,
Becalmed
(Tod)
htmills@bright.net
So far the boat seems to have lead an active, normal, happy healthy life (all THIRTEEN years of it with that name).
Sign me,
Becalmed
(Tod)
htmills@bright.net
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Rich Del Colle
Re: Naming my Typhoon
This has nothing to do with superstition, but for what it's worth, the coasties are more apt to pull you over if you name your boat "Miller Time", or any name that's alcohol related. No I'm not a tee-totaller.
richard_delcolle@hp.com
richard_delcolle@hp.com
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D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: Whatdaya think they think of "Hanalei"...
Rich,
Hanalei was named after the mythical land were in lived "Puff the Magic Dragon". This was done after Carol and I consumed a rather large bottle of very good Chardonay, while listening to old tunes on the "Victrola", one rainy night shortly after we purchased Hanalei!
I always liked the song, it has a mystical quality about it, and HONESTLY, I didn't know it was about smoking that other kind of tobacco called Marry Jo Wanna until someone walking down the dock noted it for us!
By the way, the dingy was just painted for the season, and guess what is stenciled on the stern? Yup, she's known as "PUFF"!
Of course, the Captain of Hanalei is rather well armed, and would repell all boarders that even had a thought of bringing some type of weird smoking materials aboard!
I sure hope the Coast Guard understands all this......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
Hanalei was named after the mythical land were in lived "Puff the Magic Dragon". This was done after Carol and I consumed a rather large bottle of very good Chardonay, while listening to old tunes on the "Victrola", one rainy night shortly after we purchased Hanalei!
I always liked the song, it has a mystical quality about it, and HONESTLY, I didn't know it was about smoking that other kind of tobacco called Marry Jo Wanna until someone walking down the dock noted it for us!
By the way, the dingy was just painted for the season, and guess what is stenciled on the stern? Yup, she's known as "PUFF"!
Of course, the Captain of Hanalei is rather well armed, and would repell all boarders that even had a thought of bringing some type of weird smoking materials aboard!
I sure hope the Coast Guard understands all this......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
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Warren Kaplan
Re: Whatdaya think they think of "Hanalei"...
Dave,
Would the crew of Hanalei stand ready to repel all boarders if those potential boarders came armed with a case great Merlot?!? Somehow I think you are just an old "flower child" at heart!
Warren
Setsail728@aol.com
Would the crew of Hanalei stand ready to repel all boarders if those potential boarders came armed with a case great Merlot?!? Somehow I think you are just an old "flower child" at heart!
Warren
Setsail728@aol.com
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Bill Goldsmith
Re: Whatdaya think they think of "Hanalei"...
Capt. Dave:
Any Coast Guard officer who knows his sixties folk-rock trivia will be aware of the fact that both Leonard Lipton, the lyricist and Peter Yarrow, the songwriter adamantly maintain that any perceived references to drugs have been made up by others, mostly due to the name Puff. A careful reading of the lyrics of that wonderful song must lead one to the conclusion that it is simply a lament of the loss of childhood innocence. What a great name you chose for a "boat with billowed sail!!!" To me, Hanalei can only mean a place where childhood dreams will always be alive.
And in case any CG officer thinks otherwise, hand him the following bio of the lyricist--he sure doesn't seem like an aimless lawbreaker to me! (The following came from a cached page on Google).
Lenny Lipton
Professional Biography
Lenny Lipton was born in New York City and graduated from Cornell University with a major in physics.
Lipton founded StereoGraphics Corporation in 1980, and is the company's Vice President of Research and
Development, and Chairman of the Board. He invented the first practical electronic stereoscopic products for
computer graphics and video applications. He is acknowledged to be the leading expert in the field, and has been
granted eighteen patents.
He has been published in the scientific literature on many occasions and he is a member of the following scientific
and engineering organizations: The Society for Information Display, the Society of Photo-Instrumentation
Engineers, and was the chairman of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers working group which
successfully established standards for the projection of stereoscopic theatrical films.
On two occasions Lipton has been an official representative to countries in Latin America, traveling on behalf of the
U.S. Department of State.
He has written four books, the first three of which were published by Simon & Schuster, including Independent
Filmmaking, which has been the standard text on the subject since 1972; it has sold over 150,000 copies. In 1982
his book, Foundations of the Stereoscopic Cinema, was published by Van Nostrand Reinhold. It is the standard
reference in the field.
He recently received the Computerworld/Smithsonian Award for the invention of CrystalEyes.
At the age of nineteen he wrote the poem that became Puff the Magic Dragon, which is one of the most enduring
and beloved popular songs.
All materials © Copyright 2000, StereoGraphics Corporation
goldy@bestweb.net
Any Coast Guard officer who knows his sixties folk-rock trivia will be aware of the fact that both Leonard Lipton, the lyricist and Peter Yarrow, the songwriter adamantly maintain that any perceived references to drugs have been made up by others, mostly due to the name Puff. A careful reading of the lyrics of that wonderful song must lead one to the conclusion that it is simply a lament of the loss of childhood innocence. What a great name you chose for a "boat with billowed sail!!!" To me, Hanalei can only mean a place where childhood dreams will always be alive.
And in case any CG officer thinks otherwise, hand him the following bio of the lyricist--he sure doesn't seem like an aimless lawbreaker to me! (The following came from a cached page on Google).
Lenny Lipton
Professional Biography
Lenny Lipton was born in New York City and graduated from Cornell University with a major in physics.
Lipton founded StereoGraphics Corporation in 1980, and is the company's Vice President of Research and
Development, and Chairman of the Board. He invented the first practical electronic stereoscopic products for
computer graphics and video applications. He is acknowledged to be the leading expert in the field, and has been
granted eighteen patents.
He has been published in the scientific literature on many occasions and he is a member of the following scientific
and engineering organizations: The Society for Information Display, the Society of Photo-Instrumentation
Engineers, and was the chairman of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers working group which
successfully established standards for the projection of stereoscopic theatrical films.
On two occasions Lipton has been an official representative to countries in Latin America, traveling on behalf of the
U.S. Department of State.
He has written four books, the first three of which were published by Simon & Schuster, including Independent
Filmmaking, which has been the standard text on the subject since 1972; it has sold over 150,000 copies. In 1982
his book, Foundations of the Stereoscopic Cinema, was published by Van Nostrand Reinhold. It is the standard
reference in the field.
He recently received the Computerworld/Smithsonian Award for the invention of CrystalEyes.
At the age of nineteen he wrote the poem that became Puff the Magic Dragon, which is one of the most enduring
and beloved popular songs.
All materials © Copyright 2000, StereoGraphics Corporation
D. Stump, Hanalei wrote: Rich,
Hanalei was named after the mythical land were in lived "Puff the Magic Dragon". This was done after Carol and I consumed a rather large bottle of very good Chardonay, while listening to old tunes on the "Victrola", one rainy night shortly after we purchased Hanalei!
I always liked the song, it has a mystical quality about it, and HONESTLY, I didn't know it was about smoking that other kind of tobacco called Marry Jo Wanna until someone walking down the dock noted it for us!
By the way, the dingy was just painted for the season, and guess what is stenciled on the stern? Yup, she's known as "PUFF"!
Of course, the Captain of Hanalei is rather well armed, and would repell all boarders that even had a thought of bringing some type of weird smoking materials aboard!
I sure hope the Coast Guard understands all this......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30
goldy@bestweb.net
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John Vigor
Re: Unlucky names: How about "BuscaBrisas", John?
Tod, it sounds fine to me. Don't see how the gods could take exception to someone who's just looking hopefully. BuscaBrisas is just the sort of humble name they like. Here's to another happy 13 years.
Cheers, John V.
jvigor@qwest.net
Cheers, John V.
jvigor@qwest.net
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D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: Definately NOT....
Warren,
Hanaleis' crew has standing orders to allow all QUALIFIED boarders aboard ship. "Qualified" means carrying the appropriate libation for the Captain and Crew! So, no, if ya showed up with a case of good Merlot(hell, we're not particular, a good Port would suffice!)you will be welcomed aboard with open arms(open to grab the Merlot!)
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei
Hanaleis' crew has standing orders to allow all QUALIFIED boarders aboard ship. "Qualified" means carrying the appropriate libation for the Captain and Crew! So, no, if ya showed up with a case of good Merlot(hell, we're not particular, a good Port would suffice!)you will be welcomed aboard with open arms(open to grab the Merlot!)
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei
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D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: I'm a kid and will never grow up....
Bill,
You got it exactly, the name was chosen because of the lament of a childhood lost and the fact that the vessel is a "boat with billowed sail"! Plus, Kings and Princes bow wher'er we go!
Thank you Captain for your input, I think I'll print your response and post it in the cabin of Hanalei, just in case we are boarded by some uneducated CG sailor.....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei(with Puff the dingy dragging behind!)
You got it exactly, the name was chosen because of the lament of a childhood lost and the fact that the vessel is a "boat with billowed sail"! Plus, Kings and Princes bow wher'er we go!
Thank you Captain for your input, I think I'll print your response and post it in the cabin of Hanalei, just in case we are boarded by some uneducated CG sailor.....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei(with Puff the dingy dragging behind!)