Crossing the Equator

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The latest edition of the Clipper Race saw the twelve-strong fleet complete their final Equator crossing, returning to the Northern Hemisphere in the race to Singapore.

The fleet first crossed the Equator back in Leg 1, racing from Brest in France to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Each crossing sees a selection of crew go from being a Pollywog (someone who hasn’t crossed the Equator via yacht before) to a Shellback (someone who has).

To celebrate, each of the crews undergo a ‘crossing the line ceremony’ and are joined by Davy Jones and her Highness Amphitrite, King Neptune. Famous for often including head shaving, shots of hot sauces and consumption of uncooked eggs, the crews do all they can to appease King Neptune.

Click here to view a selection of pictures from the Clipper Race crew crossing the Equator.