Position 01°08.2N 144°56.4W – Course 347° – Speed 6.6 kn
What a moment — we’ve crossed the equator! And not just on any day, but on the solstice: in one graceful step we sailed from winter into summer. At 15:39 board time, we crossed the line at 144°35.7W, heading north with smiles all around.
To mark the occasion, Michael served us a stunning tropical cocktail — Aperol, homemade ginger beer, white wine, fresh fruit — sunshine in a glass. We haven’t named it yet, but let’s just say we’re considering a new sideline when we return to Europe.
As tradition dictates, we poured one into the sea — for Neptune, and for those no longer sailing with us. A quiet toast, a moment to remember. Neptune, apparently fully booked on solstice duties, let us know he’ll visit us on Sunday instead. So Sunday it is: our official crossing ceremony awaits.
Sailing-wise, it’s been smooth. Last night around 04:00, we reefed the mainsail — showers nearby and a wind just at the edge of “maybe too much.” As always: thinking of reefing means reefing. It was done quickly and cleanly, and by 04:25, the new watch was back on course, gliding along at 7.6 knots.
Throughout the day, the wind stayed steady and spirited, but it has started easing off again overnight. We’re cruising at 6.6 knots now, and if it drops much further, we might shake out that reef at the next watch change. Picture of the day was won by Pete with a beautiful Sunset!!
The sea feels like it’s shifting with us — new latitudes, new rhythms. More summer in the air, more north in our course, and always something to look forward to.
All is well on board,
Jet
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