What is the champagne wrapped in when they launch a new ship?

Question

It is good luck to 'christen' a ship by breaking champagne across its bow, but what is it covered with to prevent the glass shards (and shattered neck pieces that are being held onto)?

Here is a great photo:

http://www.history.navy.mil/download/ships.pdf

Answer 1

a twice worn pair of stockings from the Captain's mistress.

Answer 2

Human skin!

Answer 3

It usually has a red ribbon tied around the neck but nothing else.

Answer 4

my hands normally! really hate waste

Answer 5

The bottle  is normally wrapped in a nylon or cotton mesh bag to keep the pieces of glass from flying all over the place