Mike Golding on his 22nd crossing of the Equator makes sacrifice to Neptune
by Vendée Globe Media 23 Nov 2012 06:10 GMT
22 November 2012
In keeping with seafaring tradition, Mike Golding, skipper of Gamesa, gave a gift to Neptune, the Roman God of the Water and Sea, as he crossed the Equator for the 22nd time in his sailing career. Golding is currently day 12 into his fourth Vendée Globe: solo, non-stop around the world race. Golding was one of 20 skippers who left Les Sables d'Olonne, France, on 10 November 2012 for the 24,000 mile adventure, which is expected to take up to 90 days.
The sacrifice was helped along by the pupils in Year 4 of Hook-with-Warsash Church of England Academy, where Mike's 9 year old Soren attends school. Golding, wearing a crown decorated by the Year 4 students (aged 8 & 9) and armed with a trident, shared a bag of gummy bears with Neptune and a bottle of Champagne Mumm.
Golding said, "We have crossed the Equator for the 22nd time. That's quite a lot of crossings. I have a little sacrifice for Neptune, some Gummy Bears and Champagne, so without further ado, I'll give him my sacrifice.
"That [22] is quite a number isn't it? I don't count, for me it really just shows how lucky I have been. It's a bit scary really to think it is that many!"
On this, his fourth Vendée Globe, Golding seems reasonably sure it will be his last solo passage south across the line on a round the world race.
"I think this will be the last time alone, but, no I don't think it is the last time I will be heading in this direction. But I won't rule out anything at this stage!"
Golding is currently lying in 7th position, 245 miles behind current race leader, Armel Le Cléac'h, skipper of Banque Populaire.
In addition to the sacrifice gifts, two children from Hook-with-Warsash Church of England Academy have given Mike two pictures as part of his Equator gifts. Mia Merino wrote a poem for Mike, and Daniel Sadler sent him off with a picture of Gamesa with a variety of sea life!
www.mikegolding.com