Among the traditions that accompany our activity, one is that we never alter the name of a boat so as not to cause misfortune on it. In fact, a solution exists to be able to trade the name of your unit without attracting the wrath of Neptune. It's the Macoui that you must treat with respect in order to do so.
The Macoui protects us
This Macoui, every owner has one. It is a sea snake, very long and discreet, which remains permanently hung on the stern of the boat and whose existence is proven to us by the trace it leaves on the surface of the water when the boat moves. This snake protects us from bad fortunes.
At his very first baptism - mandatory! - the boat is systematically joined by a Macoui, who will bear the name of his partner throughout his life. As the boat is acquired and adventures unfold, it will avoid being renamed, unless it respects the life of these animals.
Indeed, each subsequent baptism will see a new snake clinging to the boat. And if it does not succeed, because an old one is already present, a fight will take place between the two protective animals which, from then on, will no longer fulfil their role of insuring your boat. Worse, in extremely rare cases, it is reported that several Macawis might manage to hang on and quickly bring the boat into poor conditions.
Kill the Macoui!
Thus, we entrust ourselves with secrecy so that we no longer expose you to these risks. In a word, you must first kill the previous snake before changing the name of the boat. But don't imagine killing it in a single gesture, no. Protector, the Macoui asks for respect and deference to leave you.
- Take your boat and a friend out to sea
- Drink a few glasses for yourself and pour a little with water
- Once the Macoui is alcoholic (wait a few minutes.), ask your friend to cut the Macoui 3 times
- Having done that, say out loud the new name of your boat..
- Pour another shot of alcohol into the sea to greet the new companion
What about Neptune?
We must now thank Neptune for his help in making the ceremony a success. On the starboard side, pour another shot of your favorite liquor.
Your boat, with its new name, can return to shore and you can safely erase the name of the old Macoui and write the name of your new companion to welcome him.
Didn't you ever wonder why that name is written on the back of boats?
