I think that's a lovely name, Jim, for all the reasons already mentioned. Any chance that you might sail to downeast Maine, the first weekend in September 2018? We will be having another New England junket – it would be such fun to call "HOBBIT" at full volume across the Bay!

Shemaya

Annie Hill wrote:

I think it's a great name, Jim.  It really suits and it's nice to think that it will remind you of the good time you spent in New Zealand.  Indeed, perhaps we can hope to see Hobbit sail in to the Bay of Islands one day!

Thanks Annie!  Yes, her name will always remind me of my wonderful visit to New Zealand. Who knows, I might just turn up there one day!

By the way, her name fits my personal formula for naming a small sailboat. It should be short, easy to pronounce, easy to spell and recognizable to most people. Like Badger or Marco Polo. Otherwise you spend the rest of your life explaining its meaning, how to spell it and how to pronounce it. IMHO

I converted a motor sailer into a commercial fishing boat many years ago, and changed its name. People said it might bring bad luck. But it didn't - it brought good luck. 

So, I think Hobbit will bring good luck to you too Jim.

The name of the Baby-Badger I purchased is Elsie N. This was the name of a girlfriend of the builder. She died unexpectedly at he age of 23 from natural causes. Being very personal and tragic in origin, I have decided to change the name. At the same time, I shall upgrade her status from licensed to registered.

Last year, about this time, Graeme Kenyon , fellow JRA member and I visited the Hobbiton on North Island, New Zealand, a former movie set for the film The Hobbit, and others. The interior of the pub on site was an inspiration.

Looking up the supposed psychological characteristics of a Hobbit, it fits me, I think. Annie described Badger's interior decor as "cosy country cottage". In our case, I would add "arts-and-crafts". Late in life, I learned that my early family home was built in the so-called arts and crafts architectural style, popular in the 1920's.

I like the way Hobbit rolls off the tongue.