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Christening

Saturday, June 19, 2004 at the NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort, NC

Over 200 people joined in the celebration of the Periauger christening on June 19 at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Special guests included: Rep. Edith Warren; Rep. Jean Preston; Stan White, board member of the NC Board of Transportation; Rick Watson, president of the Northeast Partnership; Betsy Buford, director, NC Museums of History.

Chris Lane, president of the Perquimans County Restoration Association, christens the vessel Periauger during the June 19 christening ceremony in Beaufort. Champagne was poured over the bow to appease King Neptune and a branch of rosemary was laid on the deck to ensure safe returns. Montgomery Spindler, project director of the Periauger Project, looks on.

Christening Toast for Periauger:

(Prepared by Dr. David Nateman director, NC Maritime Museum, and presented by Chris Lane, president, Perquimans County Restoration Association)

“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 Periauger.”

”TO THE SAILORS OF OLD…TO PERIAUGER.” 

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 Periauger, and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for those whom she carries.  We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God that is the sea to accept Periauger as her name, to help her through passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely.” 

 “TO THE SEA…TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US…TO PERIAUGER.”

Champagne is poured over the bow to appease King Neptune and a branch of rosemary is laid on the deck to ensure safe returns.

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