Crossing the line

As we head south over the equator, tradition insists that all those who are crossing for the first time participate in a ceremony presided over by King Neptune. In reality, not only were all the FIDS brought before the court but also various crew, either because they were crossing for the first time, were leaving the ship or a range of other excuses.

On the arrival of King Neptune with his bride on the aft-deck he was greeted by the Captain, who ceremonially accedes authority on the ship.

Captain Marshall greets King Neptune (above) and
King Neptune (Julia- Steward) with his bride (Danny- 2nd Cook) (below)

At this point, all celebrants scatter to hide on the ship to avoid the wrath of King Neptune. Given that we outnumbered the 'policmen' (other members of the crew armed with rubber truncheons and fortified by beer), we stuck to a pre-arranged plan and took hold of the highest point on the ship, 'Monkey Island', which lies above the bridge deck.

Flour and water bombs along with eggs were enough to dissuade the policemen for a while. Eventually, beaten back by the use of fire hoses- welcome given the heat- a quiet tête-à-tête resulted in us being brought before King Neptune's court.

At Neptune's Court

After being tried on charges, which invariably include crossing the line without Neptune's permission, a summary conviction leads to swift justice. Despite being required professionally elsewhere, I could not avoid the (now mock) haircut administered by the 'barber', medicine (chilli and vinegar) from the 'doctor', before being covered in slops which had been brewing for days in the galley assisted by yeast and various other special additives.

Before and After Slops

Several days on and I have yet to get rid of the stench. Otherwise, we sail on, on as yet calm seas with flying fish all around; all being well we should be in Montevideo, Uruguay for the 23rd November.