“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 AGILITY. To the sailors of old, to AGILITY.
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. TO THE SEA…TO THE SAILORS OF OLD…TO THE SEA!
Today we come to name this lady AGILITY, and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for the Miller family. We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God that is the sea to accept AGILITY as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely. TO THE SEA…TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US…TO AGILITY.”
This was all done in the name of safety and superstition. Of course, there’s no endeavor that carries more superstition than going off to sea.
A pilot’s business is with the wind, and with the stars, with night, with sand, with the sea.
He strives to outwit the forces of nature.
He stares with expectancy for the coming of the dawn the way a gardener awaits the coming of spring.
He looks forward to port as a promised land,
and truth for him is what lives in the stars.
Antoine de Saint Exupéry,
‘Wind, Sand, and Stars,’ 1939
Thanks Denny,
Love it!
Jerri had suggested reading, “Over The Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe”. We had book club last night; everyone loved the book, and we spent a lot of time talking about the motivations to go to sea. We finished the evening talking about YOUR adventure (Pam B is in my book club). It takes courage (and some poetry) to do what you’re doing!