Buying a boat is one of life’s biggest milestones, and christening it is a tradition that has been celebrated by sailors for centuries. Whether you’re taking delivery of a brand-new Leopard Catamaran or a pre-owned yacht, a boat christening ceremony is a memorable way to celebrate your new adventure while wishing your vessel and crew safe travels for the journeys ahead.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to christen a boat, what you’ll need, and the traditions behind one of boating’s most enduring customs.
Why Do People Christen a Boat?
Many first-time owners wonder whether christening a boat is simply a fun celebration or a long-standing maritime tradition. For centuries, sailors have held christening ceremonies to mark a vessel’s launch and wish good fortune, safe passages, and favorable winds for everyone aboard. Today, while every owner celebrates differently, a boat christening remains one of the most meaningful ways to begin a new chapter on the water.
At Leopard Catamarans, every now and again we receive the honor of christening boats with our owners at boat shows. Watch the Facebook Live video of Runner Duck’s christening here!
Alternatively, it may be best to christen your new possession from the comfort of your own slip, as the purpose of a christening is the send the boat off on her maiden voyage. Albeit, the length of the voyage is irrelevant, so technically speaking you could cruise (or sail) her around the marina and be back in time for dinner. But please, do not let us discourage you from feeling so inspired by this ceremony of good luck and safe travels that you start your Atlantic Crossing as soon as the champagne is gone. Actually, we take that back – we prohibit you from crossing the Atlantic, or going anywhere on your boat for that matter, under the influence of champagne!
Boat Christening Traditions Around the World
While champagne has become the most recognized symbol of a boat christening, traditions vary around the world. Some owners read a blessing, others invite a close friend or family member to name the vessel, and many incorporate personal touches like music, prayers, or a favorite drink. Whether your ceremony is formal or casual, the most important part is celebrating the adventures that lie ahead.
How To Christen a Boat in 5 Simple Steps
Please note that the ceremony will only be about 5-10 minutes in length, so please enjoy it!
What you will need:
- A Boat
- A boat name
- Friends
- Champagne
- Champagne Flutes
Now follow these steps carefully, or don’t follow them at all, just have fun!
STEP 1: GIVE A SPEECH
As the proud owner of your new yacht, you will need to give a speech. And by speech we simply recommend that you welcome friends, thank them for joining, and provide an explanation on the name of your boat. Please feel free to recite a poem at this time, should you feel so inspired.
STEP 2: GIVE A TOAST
Ensure that that all guests have been equipped with a proper sipping mechanism. A champagne flute is of course preferred, but a red solo cup will do just fine! Once everyone has a full glass, raise yours and toast in the name of your boat.
STEP 3: SHAKE IT UP
If you are not on the bow of the boat, please head towards the bow at this time. Now comes the fun part! Take an unopened bottle of champagne and shake it up to get the bottle ready for popping!
STEP 4: POP AND POUR
The traditional way of christening a boat is to break the champagne bottle somewhere on the bow. This could either be on a cleat or the anchor roller. Because catamarans have two hulls and because we love an unchipped gel coat before a maiden voyage, we will shake the bottle up, pop it open and pour some over the bow of the port or starboard hull, or both!
STEP 5: THE END
Congratulations! Your christening ceremony is over and your boat is ready to see the world. Where you go from here is completely up to you – that is the beauty of owning your own boat.
Ready for Your First Adventure?
Now that your yacht has officially been christened, it’s time to create memories on the water. If you’re planning your first extended cruise, check out our Catamaran Buying Guide for helpful ownership resources, or start planning your first island adventure with our helpful resources on Cruising the Bahamas.
Whether your ceremony includes a large gathering of family and friends or simply a quiet toast at the dock, christening your boat is about more than tradition—it’s about celebrating the adventures still to come. After all, every unforgettable voyage begins with a single departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A christening is entirely optional, but many owners choose to continue the maritime tradition as a memorable way to celebrate taking ownership.
Not anymore. While breaking a bottle against the bow is a traditional practice, many modern yacht owners simply pop the cork and pour champagne over the bow to avoid damaging the boat’s finish.
Many owners give a short speech thanking family and friends, explain the story behind the boat’s name, and offer a toast wishing for fair winds, safe travels, and unforgettable adventures.
Absolutely. Many owners hold a christening ceremony when purchasing a pre-owned yacht to celebrate their ownership and mark the beginning of new adventures.
