One of the oldest customs still practised is that relating to the launching of a new ship.
About the 14th century, was the custom of toasting the new vessel from silver wine goblets. The goblets were thrown into the sea to prevent further toasts, possibly of bad omen, being drunk.
For reasons of economy a wine bottle was substituted in 1690. It was usual for a prince or other male member of royalty to smash the bottle against the bow, but after 1811 the honour was given to prominent ladies.
A free swing was traditional until a spectator was injured and sued the Admiralty, and from that time a lanyard has been secured to the bottle.
No Launching on Friday
Ship is never launched on Friday, out of respect for the passion-tradition has it that all was still on Good Friday. “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour” (Matthews 27:45)
