Poseidon to Bimini

In Ancient Greek mythology, Poseidon is the god of the sea (his Roman equivalent is Neptune). For thousands of years, seafaring peoples believed he had full domain over the seas and was respectfully feared. The deep superstitions spawned the rituals of Christening newly named ships under ceremonies where homage was bestowed to the god(s) of the sea to request acceptance of the ship into the seas of the world. In the early rituals ship christenings of the Vikings were marked by the spilling of blood. In the Middle Ages, religious shrines were on the ship and a libation of wine was offered as the vessel hit the water as a substitute for the earlier blood sacrifice. The wine was poured over the deck to appease King Poseidon for good luck and safe voyages. These practices, varying in form as nations and cultures evolved through the centuries, have carried over to the present christening and launching ceremonies. The current traditions throughout the world regularly involve toasts, the breaking of champagne bottles, and frequent appeasement of Poseidon and/or Neptune. As a point of founded superstition, a reference is noted that the Titanic was never christened!

Queen’s Dream completed her transatlantic crossing on March 17th. For the next 5 weeks her final systems and upgrades were completed in Ft. Lauderdale. Her permanent crew arrived with a load of gear needed for the worldwide adventures. Likewise, her storage areas were loaded with months of provisions to fuel the crew as they embark upon the voyages that await. However, the voyages would not begin until a formal Christening ceremony was conducted. On April 22nd, a group of 20+ dignitaries gathered dockside at sunset for the formal Christening of QD. Speeches and toasts inducted her hulls following the traditional formalities. And yes, the finest Champagne was poured over her bows to appease Poseidon!

A few days later, QD was officially cleared out by US Customs with the intention of not returning to US waters for many years. Her lines were cast, and she pulled away from the dock with the eagerness of the permanent crew at her helm. A partial day passage south to Fisher Island at Miami positioned her logically for the respected crossing of the legendary Gulf Stream to Bimini. The crew relaxed as the sun set behind the Miami skyline and city lights reflected accross the calm waters of the bay. At midnight, her anchor was lifted, and a 10-hour passage ensued bringing her to rest dockside in Bimini, Bahamas. The crystal blue waters and tropical air validated her lengthy construction project. QD and her crew rested peacefully taking in the tranquil scene and island vibes. The Gulf Stream passage was calm and uneventful – Poseidon tipped his Trident towards QD and nodded his head with approval.