Day 13
23 April 2011
We crossed the Equator this afternoon - 3 times. The first time under spinnaker, at 7.4 knots. Rob's wish was to sail over. Then we dropped the sails and went back to satisfy Jo's desire to swim across (in full lycra suits in case the Portuguese were layin in wait aargh!). Then King Neptune, assisted by the Corona Girl, initiated Colin in traditional manner. Colin was dressed for the occasion in a skirt made from the finest seaweed, crowned with urchin spines and adorned with a squid necklace (fresh from the deck that very morn, no less). Colin reciprocated by a rollicking poetry recital, including an all time favorite, Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Gifts were exchanged, a small amount of alcohol consumed and we were off to the southern hemisphere, lead by a large pod of mellon headed whales (and/or) pygmy killer whales. Of the group of 9 boats that left the day we did, we were second across by a few hours, although technically in the lead since we are further west. But this is not really a race, so we are not really keeping track. And besides, most of them left in the morning and we left at dusk, but we are not keeping track. Day 13 was only unlucky for the Easter Bunny (vegetarians please put your hands over your ears now) since we stewed him up for dinner. Thanks to Lindsay on Buena Vista for the recipe for Lapin au Vin - so wish you were here to join us and really hope you make it out soon now that that the motor is fixed. And thanks to Don and Jackie who supplied the rabbit from their farm.
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