1.   By the time the boat crossed the equator into the Southern Hemisphere, it had opened up a four-day lead over Mandarin.

2.   Q. If storms rotate in opposite directions on each side of the equator, what happens when one crosses the equator?

3.   Then, since condoms can also deteriorate while stacked in the sun or crossing the equator in freighters, more are tested on arrival.

4.   After crossing the equator, the crews will spend at least four months in the southern hemisphere, traveling to Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand.

5.   The boats that have crossed the equator have also taken part in traditional rituals dating back to Viking times to mark crossing zero degrees.

6.   The tradition involves those who have not crossed the equator, nicknamed pollywogs, being tested by those who have, called shellbacks.

7.   The Volvo Ocean Race fleet began crossing the equator back to the northern hemisphere Monday, with illbruck, Tyco and Assa Abloy leading the race to reach Miami.