10/18/2011: "“Name That Boat” Contest Winners Announced!"

It is time to announce a winner. Drum roll please!

“Miss Appropriation” was voted the first place winner by a large margin. Margaret Manning from Orcas Island submitted the winning name.

Second place goes to “Ina Fishin’ Sea” submitted by Rex Stickle, San Juan Island.

Third place and the overwhelming name chosen by the county workforce is “SJC Furlough.” Four different contestants (all requesting that we keep their names out of this) submitted this name or something close to it.

I think “SJC Furlough” should be the name we actually place on the boat so as not to change a prior-christened vessel name. All sailors are superstitious. Many sailors believe changing a name is bad luck. We wish the Public Works only good luck with this boat purchase even though we know it is a boat and bad “Ship Happens” to boats all the time. We just hope nobody gets hurt.

What happens now?

1. The Judging Committee will travel to Orcas where we will treat the winner and her partner/spouse/husband/significant other (choose only one), to Dinner at a local restaurant with a nautical theme.

2. We may also have a T-shirt made for the second place winner with the name, “Ina Fishin’ Sea” emblazoned on the back with a photo of the boat and some PW employees fishing off the back. We may make several of these because they might be in demand.

3. For third place we may have a plaque made with “SJC Furlough” as the boat name, and present it to the Council.

4. As a consolation prize we will have a burgee flag made with “Ship for Brains” embroidered on it.

It all depends on the willingness of the judging committee to complete items 2,3 & 4. Thanks to all who participated and contributed clever names!