As an addendum to the last post - after hitting send I immediately had
to run on deck and be sick over the side :( Frustrating and funny at
the same time.

We have just crossed the equator! This is the first time I've ever been
in the southern hemisphere and to have sailed across is fantastic.

As this is the first time I (as well as many of the crew) have crossed
the equator, we were tried in Neptune's court - and found guilty of
course.

My crimes: feeding this fishes a few too many times. Fitting as my
sacrifice to Neptune (something traditionally done when crossing the
equator) was the rest of my seasickness pills.

On the sailing front, we had to fire up the engine for a day or so in
order to get out of the ICTZ (aka doldrums) in order to make it into Rio
on time for the race restart. We have wind now so we should be sailing
the rest of the way. I've taken over as watch leader for our watch and
am implementing some changes that I think the team is excited about.
Now my main concern, as always, is being able to keep from being seasick
and be able to contribute and lead the watch. So far so good. Should
be about a week till we get to Rio. Can't wait.

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement, they mean a lot to me.

Q