Finding a name
A Boat’s Identity
Naming a boat – especially one we built over many years of dedication – is no trivial matter. Her name will become her identity. It must be a name we feel deeply connected to, one that lingers in memory. We also wished for her name to carry a feminine grace, for in English, a boat is always a “she.”
Who do we want her to be? She has a strong personality, yet her spirit is playful and full of joy. She is unfailingly friendly and loving. She will bring us goodness and want to keep us safe. She will carry us into new adventures, gathering countless stories to be told… she will have endless stories and she will share them endlessly.
She is a part of me, and she is a part of Mark.
My (Murielle’s) Grand-mother
Mimi
Honoring the the special relationship I have with my grandmother became increasingly important to me as I was slowly loosing her. In a way, it is comforting to feel she will always be with me.
Mark’s Mother
Jane
With a Jane aboard, our ship will never be short of lively spirit, kindness, and care.
Together
Mimi Berrou and Jane Ovenden
If you’ve met either lady, you will find them in the name
She has a strong personality, yet her spirit is playful and full of joy. She is unfailingly friendly and loving. She will bring us goodness and want to keep us safe. She will carry us into new adventures, gathering countless stories to be told… she will have endless stories and she will share them endlessly.
October 2018
Unveiling the boat’s name
In October 2018, we reveild the name of our boat to Jane, who had no idea of our intent. Her reaction to the surprise was touching. Here is a short account of that memorable day.
Unfortunately, my grandmother couldn’t be there that day. At the time, she was quite elderly and unable to travel. I did, however, get the joy during an earlier trip to Concarneau of telling her that my boat would bear her name. She laughed; a clear, unmistakable laugh, so full of life and character… pure Mimi Berrou.
