Entering Neptune's Domain

by by Quokka Sports Writers on 3 Nov 2000 The next few days should see most of the boats crossing the Equator and entering the southern hemisphere. As well as a psychological moment for the crews, the event is also steeped in history.

Tradition has it that as the boats cross the 0° latitude King Neptune should board the yacht to try all "equatorial virgins" (people who haven’t crossed the line before).
Former BT Global Challenge skipper and meteorologist Chris Tibbs explains, “Crossing the Equator has always been an excuse for a bit of fun -- with the crossing the line ceremony. King Neptune comes onboard and anyone who has not crossed before goes through an initiation ceremony. This usually takes the form of being punished for crimes against one’s shipmates. Some horrible concoction is then smothered over the person, the amount depending on how vigorously the charges are denied. Once cleaned up the crew becomes a son or daughter of Neptune and can help to initiate the less fortunate.”

As the yachts draw closer to the line the different crews are already planning how to carry out the ritual on their unsuspecting colleagues. On board Olympic Group, skipper Manley Hopkinson, admits he has something up his sleeve. He says, “I have sown the seeds for our "Crossing the Line" ceremony. There is great excitement and a lot of fun will had by all.”

While Spirit of Hong Kong skipper Stephen Wilkins, who will be acting as King Neptune when the boat enters the southern hemisphere, said, “Everyone is called to trial, guilty of deeds against the ocean. “To enter into the realm…part of the initiation is a vile concoction: all the worst of worsts, leftover scraps of the last few days - and they get suitably doused with it. Make it whatever you want it to be - as crazy and as fun as you want - to break up the routine.”

He will also be presenting successful crew members with a certificate based on those given out on old Canadian Navy battleships. They have been modified to reflect the Challenge course and criteria, then pre-printed for each of the team.

Crew volunteers are anticipating the ceremony with mixed feelings. Andy Buddell on Norwich Union said, “Tradition has it that all equatorial virgins are accused of various crimes and then covered in gunk - a vile concoction of festering slops - oh joy! Mind you after two weeks of this heat we're not smelling too clever at all so it probably won't be a great inconvenience".

Colleague Annabel Pearson said, “Most of us are equator virgins so we're all dreading what they may have in store for us!”

As well as the fun side of the ritual, crossing the Equator also provides a big psychological boost to the crews. For some it signifies the second part of their global journey while for the crew members from the southern hemisphere it starts their passage home.

Simon Walker, managing director of Challenge Business and a skipper in the BT Global Challenge 1996/97 said, “For all the crews the crossing of the Equator marks a right of passage and for many this will be the furthest south they have ever been. On a leg of this length it’s important to find reasons to celebrate and it’s been a naval tradition for hundreds of years and the crews enjoy that link with the past.”

Australian Wilkins said after the ceremony his crew will probably enjoy a special meal, to celebrate the crossing into what he says is ‘his back yard’.

“Where the winds start going in the right direction, the currents start going in the right direction, and most importantly water starts going down the drain the right way,” he said.