01’50.2N 018’56.9W course 315′ speed 6,2
We made it across the equator at 05:57 UTC on 18’17.4W! We did it under sail, going at 6 knots and enjoying a beautiful night! We woke up those who wanted to be present and poured ourselves a glass of Cutty Sark whiskey. We toasted on the crossing and the sailors who no longer sail with us, with the first glass shared with Poseidon by pouring it into the ocean. For me it is always a special moment to sail from the Southern into the Northern hemisphere, or the other way around. Its special to see the stars slowely change position as you sail home. We can still see the Southern Cross, but we are leaving her behind, waiting for Polaris to be visible through the clouds for the first time. And as we say goodbye to the stars that belong in our Southern hemisphere nights, we promise to return.
Then during the afternoon, when all were awake, we preformed our Pollywog to Shellback ceremony. Myrthe had crossed the equator before, on the voyage to the Falkland Islands and so she could be the assistant of Neptune, dousing or spraying our new Shellback’s with salt water. Stella was last, being dubbed Noddy (after the brown Noddy that perched on our sheet about a week ago – such elegant and pretty birds) and she was in for the full blast of the welcoming into the realm of Neptune! We are now a Whale Shark, Fairy tern, leatherback turtle, Giant Turtoise, Jackass or Black footed penguin and Devils Ray richer in the realm.
After the ceremony we had a cool down party on the foredeck. And a hairdresser named Maike (or Jackass) who made sure we looked good for the Northern Hemisphere and the realm of Neptune by trimming down our manes. Max and Joel had their own plan.. shaving their mustache into a Lenny! The things we do at sea!
Then this evening sailing became more and more frustrating.. and it should not be. Sailing should be fun or relaxing, exhilarating, refreshing or all those things at the same time.. it should not be frustrating.. we were heading the wrong way. the wind was getting lighter and the waves where rocking us violently. So we had to keep an angle of over 60 degrees with the wind on our hind quarters.. We were heading North East… And then the flogging. Loud whacks would still occurred and that went through bone! So we decided this was not sailing any way.. Something was going to breakdown if we kept on going like this, the rigging or possibly me.. So we lowered all the sails, but for the staysail and headed on course. Lightning all around, but not too close. At watch handover at 00:00 hours, the rain was pouring down! Lightning on all sides. Very impressive. We had already turned off power to all expensive antennas and the radar, so that it would not attract any lightning.. we can not replace them, out here on the ocean.. And we had to sit it out. It rained for over 1,5 hours, heavy rain! And now its dry. Lightning is still going off, but in the distance.
For now, all is well on board, Jet
