Crossing the Equator

At 0450 UTC this morning, Great American IV crossed the Equator heading south. It is my 12th crossing under sail, and to see the N turn to S on the GPS holds the same wonderment as the first time. We are in the Southern Hemisphere. And when we get to the Southern Ocean, we will have storms and big challenges. What will happen between now and when we cross this Line heading North – that is the big question.

I set Scott Hamilton’s Prayer Flags this morning an hour before crossing. I thought it was appropriate. A voyage such as this one contains many emotions, and all the positive ones are welcomed. Similarly, emails came in from two shorthanded sailing friends in the US, Rob Windsor and Joe Harris, and their good wishes and encouragement means a lot.

Onward into the south…

Position
1° 33’S x 29° 27’W
Course
172° True
Speed
10.3 knots
True Wind Speed
9.2 knots
True Wind Direction
066°
Sail Plan
Solent plus one reef in Mainsail
Air temperature
82° F / 27.7° C
Sea Temperature
85° F / 29.4° C