The passage from Fernando de Noronha to French Guiana was our longest so far, 1,300 nm in distance. It took us a total of 8 days, during which we crossed the Equator. This is the first time Noxoma is in “our” hemisphere. We have truly enjoyed the six months we have spent in the Southern hemisphere, and it is scary how time has flown since we left Norway in early July of last year. It truly feels like a milestone has been reached, we have not only crossed the Atlantic Ocean, but we have also made a rather extensive journey from the South to the North.
It is the first time Carine has sailed across the Equator, so a proper baptism was called upon. The Captain acted as a great standin for King Neptun, and had prepared a mighty fine ceremony. He was also properly dressed with a grand version of King Neptune’s septer, even.
Carine was dressed up for her baptism party with her sequined bikini for the occasion, and her hair has even grown long enough for ribbons 😊
The speech for the ceremony read as follows:
“We are gathered here today to baptize Carine Zeier for her equator crossing. This does involve a sacrifice and is not taken lightly but does provide great rewards.
As the great King Neptune’s emissary, I, the Captain of the Sailing Yacht Noxoma, has been granted the great privilege to perform this baptism.
Do you, Carine Zeier, accept Neptune, the King of all the seas, as your new lord and savior to grant you safe passage on all his seas?
Carine: I do.
(The captain pours the specially made baptism water over The Admiral’s head.)
I hereby declare you a salty sailor and you shall be recognized by all.
Hooray, Hooray, Hooray”
As is custom for these ceremonies, there is no pristine holy water being used for the actual baptism… But rather some gooey stuff… A mix of Coke Zero, garlic and parsley (we had been making hummus) made a proper nasty consistency for sure.
Other than this ceremony we enjoyed the celebration of New Year’s Eve on this passage, as well as plenty of fish on hook 🐟😁
Read more about our passage from Fernando de Noronha to French Guiana on the Captain’s Logbook.