"This is an interesting and informative book about a shipbuilding process that might be considered routine. Far from it. This fine book is full of centuries of launching methods, ceremonies, superstitions and mishaps." — PowerShips

Throughout history, man has been performing rituals at the launch of a new ship to seek supernatural or divine protection for his ship and those who will sail in her. The form of the ritual varies according to local custom and religion: from the breaking of a coconut, to the release of doves, to the role of astrologers in choosing an auspicious day for the launch. But the sentiment that lies behind all launching ceremonies is fear. At the moment of launching a new ship a seafarer is alert to any sign that his ship is not sound. He is superstitious and seeks reassurance that his ship and those who will sail in her will be protected. The rites of blood sacrifice and libations performed by the ancient Babylonians and Greeks are well evidenced. The evolution of this practice into today’s tradition of breaking a bottle of wine against the bow of a ship before launch, still symbolising sacrifice, is explored as well as the now widely practised custom of inviting ladies to name and launch new ships.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Disclaimer
• Contents
• Introduction
• List of Illustrations
• Chapter 1 A Ship is Born
• Chapter 2 A Ship’s Shortest Trip – Launching methods
• Chapter 3 The Superstition of Sailors
• Chapter 4 Things do not Always go to Plan
• Chapter 5 The Daphne Tragedy 1883
• Chapter 6 The Launch of Brunel’s Three Great Ships
• Chapter 7 Largest Liner Launched
• Chapter 8 ‘Ladies Who Launch’
• Chapter 9 Launches at Royal Dockyards
• Chapter 10 Religious Service at the Launch of Naval Ships
• Chapter 11 Royal Launching and Christening of Ships
• Chapter 12 Venice’s Unique Ring Ceremony
• Chapter 13 Different Traditions in Different Countries
  • 13.1 Denmark
  • 13.2 France
  • 13.3 Greece
  • 13.4 Imperial Japan
  • 13.5 Imperial Russia
  • 13.6 India
  • 13.7 Ottoman Empire
  • 13.8 Portugal
• Chapter 14 Unusual Launches and Naming Ceremonies
• Chapter 15 Lifeboats and the Service of Dedication
• Chapter 16 Multiple Launches
• Chapter 17 Ship Launches and Politics
• Chapter 18 Launch Day Gifts and Launch Cards
• Chapter 19 Launch Miscellany
• Chapter 20 Some Conclusions
• Appendix I: Ships Launched/Named by HRH Princess Elizabeth/HM Queen Elizabeth II
• Appendix II: Religious Service at the Launch of Naval Ships
• Acknowledgements
• Glossary
• Select Bibliography
• The Author
• Notes
• Plates