I was of the belief that it was considered bad luck to re name a boat once it had been launched.  I have heard some say it is OK to re name a boat as long as it is re launched (an excuse for a party?)but it seems to happen quite often. I have recently bought a 1967 boat which was re named after only a year or two and apparently caried both names on the transome for some time. 
Is the superstition about name changes justified?

Try it and see.  What's the worst thing that could happen?  Perhaps if you rename it you won't win the champs in it, or perhaps all your offspring will be plagued by locusts?

Or perhaps it's just superstition?

Sailors used to be the most superstitious bunch, but you can't blame those who had to trust their lives to the whims of mother nature / poseidon.

Just rename the boat if the current name is pants.

Changing names has always happened.  Read any naval history to find ships taken from the enemy renamed and reused.  I think the actual superstition is that changing the name changes the luck,- unlucky ship, change the name.

I bought 3076 two years ago, but decided I couldn't live with a scarlet hull and the name MACHISMO in foot high letters down both sides.  She is now called 'The Woozle', and I certainly haven't had any bad luck. Well, except for seven different crews in two seasons.  And four capsizes this year.  And the rudder which sank. And the broken shroud.  And ....

Does this mean that Gannet is going to give me a load of c**p?!!!
She's coming along well - all stripped so the re-build starts here.  But since I scraped that silly MERLIN name (in tasteful number plate self adhesive letters) off the side of the hull I am seriously worried.

I think it's a shame when someone renames a once famous boat (even if it was only famous or well know at club level). Otherwise superstitious nonsense!

Change it, then if she gives you gripe, tenderly say "come on you old Gannet"

Remember to check that new name is not already in use.

Definitely the one and only Gannet!!

The USS Phoenix one of three ships to survive Pearl Harbour but was not so lucky when renamed The General Belgrano it did however come first twice: it became the first large warship to be sunk in action since 1945 and the first ship in history to be sunk in action by a nuclear submarine.

2121 was originally called Half Cut by Pat Blake and some owner later was changed to something like Morgan le Fay.When Chris Barlow got her and was told take it away or I'll just cut it in half, he went back to the Half Cut name and it has certainly been good for us as we've really enjoyed sailing her.
So - try the very first name again.

Thanks for all of the advice and anecdotes - I think I'll try it as 'Good Bye Dolly' - apparently its original name in 1967 when owned by Bob Hoare,and see how we go - Lady Godiva just doesn't do anything for me! 
If I get attacked by locusts or sunk by a nuclear submarine I can always change it back. (I may also have a relaunch party to make absolutely sure)

was not the Golden Hind originally the Pelican?

relaunch party - wisest course of all!

Relaunches have to be done in true sailing style - we even managed a few drops of Murphy's over the refurbished and new engined Zodiac inflatable last week in Ireland!!

Another superstition to add to the list - never launch (or re-launch)on a Friday -fishermen in Shetland believed this would tempt providence to bring a swift end to the endeavour.  Don't know why, unless that it was very close to the end of the fishing week as no fish were landed on Sundays.