On 30 September, UNICEF crossed the equator. For all sailors this is a momentous occasion, transiting from Northern latitudes into the Southern Hemisphere.
It recognises human frailty in the face of the undiminished power of the ocean. For us, it also marks one step closer to the next destination in the race of our lives: Punta Del Este, and reminds us of the humbling conditions to come, as we make our way closer to the Southern Ocean.
This mystical, and historic tradition involves a ceremony whereby Pollywogs (people who haven't sailed over the equator) become Shellbacks and are duly initiated into the solemn mysteries of the ancient order of the deep.
Our ceremony was orchestrated by Skipper Dan, representing King Neptune, Zina as Aphrodita and Hans as the baptiser of the forgiven. Each Pollywog admitted their sins, ate some of the mystical dish and crawled under the traveller to be baptised with fresh equator water by Hans.
The ceremony from afar seems strange, but at sea we take no risk with superstitions, and must pay homage to King Neptune, in whatever bizarre way the Shellbacks see fit. We have only been at sea for 16 days now, but the immense sense of community on board shows in these moments.
Both watches come together and the camaraderie, as a team who have now crossed the Bay of Biscay, made it past the Canaries, and a stop in Cape Verde, to then navigate the doldrums is phenomenal.
We have seen some pretty great things. It is easy amidst the sailing and chaos of life on board to forget how much we have achieved so far, with more yet to come in our big blue world.
Sending love to all of our supporters, and some of you I’m sure, will be delighted to know that no heads were shaved on this equator crossing...our skipper still has his hair.
Laura, Dan, and the Shellback UNICEF crew