Day 35 Thursday 22 November 2012 – the day we crossed the equator
At 11.41 (12:41:11 GMT) the big moment arrived, the ship’s bell rang as we crossed the line into the Southern Hemisphere. We were all out by the rail watching whilst a number of people threw bottles into the sea with messages in them. It was interesting watching the GPS count down the latitude to zero at the equator, when the 'N’ changed to 'S’ for south.
Then the big moment came. The Pirate King (Cook Dave) came aboard and introduced King Neptune (in true panto tradition played by Capt. Barbara) with full supporting 'female’ cast of wife (John) and daughter (Marcin). Support was needed as re-inflation of various pneumatic appendages was required from time to time. Steve gave reviving potions to all Pollywogs in the paddling pool on the stern platform, whilst Taffy as barber seemed more intent on spreading shaving foam as far and wide as possible than actually doing any shaving. A lot of laughter all round as each Pollywog was 'shriven’ of their sins, kissed the slowly deteriorating fish in penance and allowed to escape, declared true 'Shellbacks’.
So where does that leave us? We are assured that the ship will be in 'Fernando de Norhona,’ a Brazilian tropical paradise two days sail from the mainland, come the weekend. This will be the first stop in the Brazilian mainland, and there is much anticipation amongst the crew about the quality of the beaches, the rum and the samba. Bets are on as to who can juggle all three at the same time (no pressure Big Al).