Crossing the Line Ceremony: An Ancient Maritime Tradition When Sailing Across The Equator

Описание: The line-crossing ceremony is an ancient tradition that sailors undertake as they sail across the equator. The uninitiated crew are known as Polliwogs. The more experienced people, who have already crossed the line, are called Shellbacks. Historic rituals were often dangerous and were a test of the crew’s hardiness.

Today the initiation ceremony tends to be a bit more theatrical and less painful for the crew. The experienced mariners, the shellbacks, form a Court of Neptune. The most senior person will often dress as Neptune and run the proceedings. The roll is called and some of the charges read.

The polliwogs are often set a series of challenges culminating in a dunking or baptism. They are then exempt from ever doing it again and can proudly call themselves Shellbacks.

On a yacht delivery we don’t have the same resources as a larger ship. We still like to mark the occasion though.

We have crossed the equator numerous times in the last year alone.

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