The Story goes...
According to legend, each and 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. It is logical therefore, if we wish to change the name of our boat, the first thing we must do is to purge its name from the Ledger of the Deep and from Poseidon’s memory.
This is an involved process beginning with the removal or obliteration of every trace of the boat’s current identity. This is essential and must be done thoroughly. … In purging your boat… You will also need a bottle of reasonably good Champagne. Plain old sparkling wine won’t cut it. (and a few friends to share it with )
Since this is an auspicious occasion, it is a good time to invite your friends to witness and to party.
Purge Party at 7pm Friday 6/6/2008
Began by invoking the name of the ruler of the deep as follows:
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 “It’ll Do” 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 (4 in my case) were 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.
(Dutifully poured at over half of the bottle of Champagne into the sea from East to West. The remainder shared by captain, Keith, and co-captain, Trish, and then among our guests.) Cordon Negro Brut that I enjoy.
So you see why we needed the Sun near sunset to be sure we find West. We did the full ceremony and shared the bubbly...