Equator

“With the possible exception of the equator, everything begins somewhere” – C.S.Lewis

Leaving Serutu for the 252nm passage to the equator, all 8 yachts were busy making preparations for the ‘Equator Party’. Tientos provided the Certificate for all new Shellbacks and each crew was busy creating their own unique outfit. On Tientos, Lea became ‘Mrs Parrotfish’, and Keith was the ‘Wild Man of Borneo’. 

Certificate for Shellbacks

 A large oil rig tender ‘Babanet’ bound for Australia called up for a chat; another container ship regaled the fleet with ‘We are sailing’, and Tientos enjoyed a steady 7kts across the South China Sea until turning on the iron topsail with 50nm to go.  Just for a startling change, Tientos was the first to anchor at 0830.

Katani playing catchup

When everyone had anchored Katani II offered their large deck for the party and with everyone bringing drinks and food, a wonderful morning involved everyone toasting King Neptune.  

Crews of Ice Maiden, Tientos and Katani II

Plane Sailing receiving their Certificate

Katani II surrounding King Neptune from Ice Maiden

A fight for Certificates

King Neptune welcomes the crew of Alb

King Neptune

Re-anchoring after the party behind Kentar, there was not a soul to be seen for the next 48 hours, as we all caught up on sleep.

Peaceful anchorage behind Kentar

 May all your bars be wooden and well-stocked!