Onto Ecuador but first, we become Shellbacks

     Cross the Equator gain a name:   

     Tuesday, March 5, 2013 left anchorage at Isla Caña an island in the Las Perlas off the coast of Panama 8:10 a.m.  Sails set, motor off, sun shining, seas calm, winds at a mild 15 knots. We waited an extra two days for the weather window before we headed out towards Ecuador.  Feeling jittery and exhilarated upon departure, this would be our first overnight sail in the Pacific ocean, a five day trip.   Not only does Ecuador signify the beginning of our South America circumnavigation but, we would be crossing the equator and becoming "shellbacks".

     The term shellback has been used as far back as the mid 1800's for someone who has sailed across the equator.  Ceremonies are performed to initiate the newbie into the Kingdom of Neptune - the legendary god of the seas.  The following is from http://www.desausa.org:

   

 "Pollywog to Shellback - In the U.S. Navy, when a ship crosses the equator a time-honored ceremony takes place. This is a Navy tradition and an event no sailor ever forgets.  With few exceptions, those who have been inducted into the "mysteries of the deep" by Neptunus Rex and his Royal court, count the experience as a highlight of their naval career.  Members of Neptunus Rex's party usually include Davy Jones, Neptune's first assistant, Her Highness Amphitrite, the Royal Scribe, the Royal Doctor, the Royal Dentist,  the Royal Baby, the Royal Navigator, the Royal Chaplain, the Royal Judge, Attorneys, Barbers and other names that suit the party.

     Officially recognized by service record entries indicating date, time, latitude and longitude, the crossing of the equator involves elaborate preparation by the "shellbacks" (those who have crossed the equator before) to ensure the "pollywogs" (those who are about to cross the equator for the first time) are properly indoctrinated. All pollywogs, even the Commanding Officer if he has not crossed before, must participate. 

     Once the ceremony is complete a certificate is presented to the new "Shellbacks".

     Some of the stories for initiation are ones of horror and tortuous pain.  We on the s/v Limbo toasted the occasion with mimosas and Aretha Franklins', "Say a Little Prayer".   Truly a fantastic moment. 

 

Equator crossing at 00.00.26 S & 80.33.49 W at 8:38 am Saturday, April 9, 2013

We did it hon.

  Below is a modified certificate for Limbo.   

TO ALL SAILORS WHEREVER YE MAY BE:    and to all Mermaids, Whales, Sea Serpents, Porpoises, Sharks, Dolphins, Eels, Skates, Suckers, Crabs, Lobsters, and all other Living Things of the Sea. 
GREETINGS:  Know ye That on this ninth day of April, 2013, in Latitude 0000 and Longitude 80 ^o33' W there appeared within Our Royal Domain the s/v LIMBO bound SW for the Equator and for South America. 

BE IT REMEMBERED

That the said Vessel and Officers and Crew thereof have been inspected and passed on by Ourself and Our Royal Staff 

AND BE IT KNOWN By all ye Sailors, Marines, Land Lubbers and others who may be honored by his presence that 
 

Donald D Bylsma

having been found worthy to be numbered as one of our Trusty Shellbacks he has been duly initiated into the 

SOLEMN MYSTERIES OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF THE DEEP

BE IT FURTHER UNDERSTOOD That by virtue of the power invested in me I do hereby command all my subjects to show due honor and respect to him wherever he may be. 

Disobey this order under penalty of Our Royal Displeasure

Given under our hand and seal this 9^th day of April, 2013. 

Signed

Neptunus Rex 
Ruler of the Raging Main 
       

And don't forget me, I was there too.
Greetings to all Shellbacks:

This is to Certify, that Only Mate Rita Bylsma aboard s/v Limbo was duly initiated into the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep and made a worthy Shellback in our Royal Dominion at 00°00’26 South and 80°33’49 West on Saturday the 9th of April 2013

Neptunus Rex Ruler of the Raging Main
Official: Captain Don Bylsma Commanding Officer, Limbo

Next up:  Bahia Caráquez, first port of call in Ecuador -