Clipper Yacht Race - Jamaica, Get All Right first to cross the Equator

by Clipper Ventures on 28 Sep 2013 At the Clipper Yacht Race, there have been celebrations on board Jamaica Get All Right as the yacht came out of Stealth Mode and crossed the Equator, the first of the fleet to enter the Southern Hemisphere.

Currently in second place, PSP Logistics is 32 miles behind Jamaica Get All Right and Qingdao, in third place, is 73 miles behind. They will cross the Equator today.

Pete Stirling, Skipper of Jamaica Get All Right, explains the significance of the crossing for pollywogs, those who have never crossed the Equatorial line which separates the two hemispheres at 0 degrees.

'All Right, greetings from the Southern Hemisphere. We crossed the line at 0250 UTC this morning with a small celebration from those on watch.

'The main celebration and official ceremony will be held during 'Happy Hour' this afternoon. This is when the crew will seek repentance from King Neptune and request safe passage through his watery domain and acceptance into his kingdom by offering him and his assistant Davy Jones some gifts.

'The ceremony is a big tradition in Navies and I have a feeling it's going to be a very happy 'Happy Hour'.'

The teams are getting used to heeling over and putting in reefs again as they begin to make good speed escaping the grip of the Doldrums.

With 2000 miles to go to Rio and wind back on the cards courtesy of the trades, there is everything to play for.

You can keep an eye on the fleet's progress here at the Official Race Viewer and to read all the skipper reports click here.