Neptune holiday on the Pallada

The frigate safely sailed into the Southern Hemisphere and commenced drifting. The longitude at the crossing was 171° 30 ' 76 " E.

According to maritime tradition, this event is celebrated on any ship. The day of crossing the Equator is called the Day of Neptune. Hardcore seafarers make a theatrical performance to leave a good memory of this significant event and to encourage the crew before possible difficulties which might be encountered during a long voyage. The Pallada keeps all good maritime traditions, so for two and a half hours Lord of all seas and oceans — Neptune was ruling the ship. Neptune was helped by his numerous retinue: Mermaid, Astrologer, Doctor Aybolit, Barber, Сupbearer, pirates and devils.

The pioneers of the Equator took part in a festive ceremony and officially became deep sea seafarers. - Devils and pirates arranged tricky tests and competitions for them. In the end the cadets and shipboys thrown green dye over, covered with flour and feathers got plunged into seawater. And when all the "newcomers" became true seafarers, Neptune read his decree, in which he commanded his loyal subjects not to cause evil obstacles to the frigate Pallada and to wish the ship in all her passages only a fair wind.

The shipboys and cadets "harnessed" the wind by the command of the boatswains, and the Pallada right out of the drift, made a turn under the sails into fordewind* and confidently headed towards the first port of call — Apia.

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