King Neptune’s Realm

April 8, 2025, 2111 Ship’s Time | 8 Miles South of Equator, 92º W Longitude | Motoring

All the things happened at the same time this evening. We crossed the equator southbound just as the sun was kissing the horizon to the west. We shut down the engine and fired a cannon salute, and with that, dinner was served. King Neptune would have to wait until after we ate.

Before dish duty though, he appeared with his fellow Shellbacks—his Queen (Kim), his Royal Barbour (Scott), Doctor Doom (Ted), and Davy Jones (Udo). The Pollywogs in the crew—Hilary, Dennis, Erik, Aidan, and me—would be read their crimes against the deep by Davy Jones and sentenced by Neptune himself (Jim, dressed in full Neptune regalia). Emily drove the boat, which didn’t actually require much driving given that we’d switched the engine off for the ceremony and were flat becalmed, literally drifting in circles.

Punishments included “cleansing of the head with a bucket of salty water,” a dose of Doctor Doom’s secret elixir, the singing of a shanty, and in my case, a “haircut” from the Royal Barbour. This all happened by the light of the moon, as the sun had long ago set while we were eating Emily’s delicious chicken and noodle stir-fry. At the conclusion, all of us Pollywogs were accepted into King Neptune’s realm and joined the other Shellbacks. Job done!

FALKEN continues burning fuel and steaming southwest. We’re hoping to catch the edge of the SE’ly trades at around 3º south, which is another 24+ hours from here. So far, we’re a tank-and-a-half down on diesel, with six-and-a-half remaining, so I’m not yet concerned. Once the trades fill in, it looks to be pretty steady, but 3,000 miles is a long way if the wind doesn’t fill in! That’s the doldrums for you.

Until tomorrow, HOLD FAST.

// Andy

P.S. If you are reading the blogs, please write some comments in the section below and we’ll send it over to the crew to read. I am sure they will love it :) - Mia (shore support on Leg 6, Galapagos to Marquesas)