ship launches

Boats enter water

Ship launches are ceremonies marking a vessel's first entry into water.

The moment when a new ship slides from dry dock into the sea, traditionally accompanied by breaking a bottle of champagne against the hull and formal christening.

By extension, any major inaugural event for a maritime vessel: The ship launch drew crowds to the harbor.

Also used literally for the physical act of putting a ship to sea.

Related

blessings · naval officers · flag raising · speeches · safety protocols · maiden voyage · ribbon cutting · brass band · weather forecasting · hydraulic systems · permits · celebratory music · scheduling · site management · emergency preparedness · godmother · museum exhibits · historical records

Categories
Opposites
vessel movement phase

ship launcheslandfall

Reaching shore after voyage

berthing · mooring · homecomings

vessel lifecycle

ship launcheslaying up

Storing or reserving

mothballing

vessel lifecycle stage

ship launchesshipwrecks

Destroyed vessels underwater

Family

ship, ships, shipped, shipping, shipment, shipments, shipper, shippers, shipyard

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Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G