Venue
The christening takes place adjacent to the boat. Ideally the christening should commence at the afternoon's high tide so as to accomodate both easy access to the vessel and appropriate timing for libations. In the case of Makara this took place in Spa Creek across for the U.S. Naval Academy at 1:54PM on the afternoon of September 22.

Invocation
“I must down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by, And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking, And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking.

I must down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea gulls crying.

I must down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover and quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over."

Introductions
At this point each person who was invited to the christening is introduced. It is important that their relationship to the boat or crew be highlighted.

Prolog
“Waves dancing joyously across Massachusetts Bay met the sloop coming out, to dash themselves instantly into myriads of sparkling gems that hung across her breast at every surge. The day was perfect, the sunlight clear and strong. Every particle of water thrown into the air became a gem, and the SPRAY, making good her name as she dashed ahead, snatched necklace after necklace from the sea, and as often threw them away. We have all seen miniature rainbows about a ship’s prow, but the SPARY flung out a bow of her own that day, such as I had never seen before. Her good angel had embarked on the voyage; I so read it in the sea”

Joshua Slocum, April 24, 1895
“Sailing Alone Around The World”

“Believe me my young friend, there is NOTHING -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing about in boats -- or WITH boats. In or out of ‘em, it doesn’t matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that’s the charm of it. Whether you get away, or whether you don’t; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you’re always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you’ve done it there’s always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you’d much better not.”

The Water Rat To Mole
Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

Blessing of the Elements
Anciently, vessels were blessed with all four elements, to insure they remained in balance with the forces of the world. Today, we will do the same.  

The first element to the ancients was AIR. Air was the element of thought and logic, of clear vision. By blessing this vessel with air, we ask that the skipper be always blessed with clear knowledge and the skill to overcome all obstacles. “This incense symbolizes air.” As the incense is carried clockwise around the gunwales, from stem to stern and return, repeat these words: “I bless this boat with air. May she grant me clear vision always.”

The second element was FIRE. Fire was the element of change and magic, of transformation and of will. By blessing this boat with fire, we ask that the boat behave well in the water -- like magic. “This candle symbolizes fire.” As the candle is carried clockwise around the gunwales, from stem to stem and return, repeat these words: “I bless this boat with fire. May she carry me magically through the seas.”

The third element was WATER. Water was the element of emotions and love, of relationships and friendships. By blessing this boat with water, we ask that the skipper always have many friends at hand. “This chalice contains water.” As water is sprinkled on the vessel clockwise around the gunwales, from stem to stern and return, repeat these words: “I bless this boat with water. May I always be surrounded by good friends.”

The last element was EARTH. Earth was the element of basic needs and sustenance, of material things and health and financial matters. By blessing this boat with earth, we ask that the skipper always have health and happiness. “This salt symbolizes the earth.” As salt is spread clockwise around the gunwales, from stem to stern and return, repeat these words: “I bless this boat with earth. May I stay healthy and wealthy and happy.”

“And as I will it, so may it be! Blessed be!” The blessing is done. May she carry you always as free as the wind, as sprightly as fire, as lovingly as water, and as safely as the earth herself. Blessed be!

Presentation to The Wind Gods
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 known as Makara, guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.

(At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East)

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

(Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone: ”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, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning : “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, repeat and fling 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 mighty breath.”

(Facing south, repeat, flinging 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, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.”

Presentation to Poseidon and The Court
“For thousands of years, we have gone to sea. We have crafted vessels to carry us and we have called them by name. These ships will nurture and care for us through perilous seas, and so we affectionately call them "she." To them we toast, and ask to celebrate Makara.”

(Then everybody raises their glass filled with champagne or sparkling cider and shouts:)
TO THE SAILORS OF OLD... TO MAKARA!
(Everybody takes a sip)

“The moods of the sea are many, from tranquil to violent. We ask that this ship be given the strength to carry on. The keel is strong and she keeps out the pressures of the sea.”

(Again the glasses are raised, and the assemblage shouts :)
TO THE SEA... TO THE SAILORS OF OLD... TO THE SEA!
(Everybody takes another sip. Continue.)

“Today we come to name this lady Makara, and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for Nancy and Judy. We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God that is the sea to accept Makara as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely.”
(Again, with the raising of the glasses)
TO THE SEA... TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US... TO MAKARA.

A last, long sip by all.

Christening Of the Boat
A ceremonial bottle is broken over the bow of the vessel and half a bottle of champagne is poured over the bow and half is poured over the stern to appease King Neptune. A branch of green leaves is then laid on the deck to ensure safe return

Unveiling of the Name

At this point the name of the vessel is uncovered. The ship’s bell, the personification of a ships soul embodied on polished bronze is carried on board and rung once. The vessels ensign is also unfurled.
 
Closing Quotation
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans, that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sort of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

Quotation from W.H. Murray,
The Scottish Himalayan Expedition, 1951

Inspection Of The Vessel
At this point the notable features of the newly christened vessel should be briefly explained. The vessel is then opened to inspection by all (prior to this point those not participating directly in the christening are not allowed on board).

Adjournment
After suitable time for inspection all should adjourn for an appropriate feast and additional libations.