Travis welcomes new vessel into fleet

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicole Leidholm
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 60th Force Support Squadron christened their new boat Saturday at the Travis Marina in Sausalito, Calif. It was christened by Capt. Veronica Hoskins, 60th FSS intern operations officer, as she poured non-alcoholic champagne on the bow and the boat took the name Kestrel.

"Sailors have gone to sea for thousands of years by crafting stout vessels to carry them on their journeys," said Roy Pitts, Sailing Master. "These ships nurture and care for the sailors through perilous seas, and so are affectionately called she. To these sailors we toast, and ask you celebrate the sailing vessel Kestrel."

A kestrel is a "small but fierce" falcon often taking on prey twice its size. Kestrels are also often seen in the coastal hills above our harbor as they are native to California. Sailing vessels have a long history of being named after birds, as they both fly. The Air Force Academy's mascot is a falcon and "fighting falcons" is a well known term on any Air Force Base. One of the Air Force's live falcon mascots is a kestrel.

"We now call to Aeolus and Poseidon, and we dedicate this vessel to thy domains in full knowledge that she shall be subject as always to the immutable laws of the (rulers) of wind and sea," Pitts said.

The next step is to appease the individual rulers of the winds. This assures fair winds and smooth seas at every compass point. Because the four winds are brothers, it is permissible to invoke them all at the same time, however, during the ceremony; each must be addressed by name. A bottle was not broken on the bow as it damages the gel coat and flying glass is not safe. Instead, the marina used a "standing cup" ritual, where the libation is poured into a cup and then offered to each brother, North, South, East and West. Hoskins threw champagne in each direction.

Lastly, Hoskins poured some champagne into the water before green leaves and flowers were placed on the deck of the boat to ensure a safe return to land as the symbolized champagne was poured over the bow.

"I christen this Sailing Vessel Kestrel," Hoskins said. "(Protect) her and all who sail in her."

Kestrel is now available for rent at the Travis Marina. For more information, call Louis Canotas, Marina Manager, at 415-332-2319.