Wednesday 23 January – After 12 days stuck in the middle of the Panama Canal, here we are stuck at the Playita ( Panama City)....which is a rolling mooring, polluted and noisy with all the boats of the canal zig zag between the sailboats. Silvio, The expert mandated by the insurance company, comes to see the condition of the engine, Photographs the rooms…
Position: 8 54.45N 79 31.45W the 22 January 2013 around 15:00 (UTC-5) 19 January – Days go by and we are still waiting for an answer from the insurance to get us out of the Canal. A little reminder, 2 Options : for 19000 dollars using a canal tug, for 8000 dollars the insurance expert found…
…. Finally, we believe in it and we "enjoy" this quiet anchorage of Gatun Lake. Every evening we see some sailboats crossing the Canal in one direction or the other... Aperitif or dinner together... Then we see them leave very early the next day wishing us "good luck". Elvir, The pilot who gave us…
Position 9 15.66N 79 54.13W the 11 January 2013 around 18:00 (TU-5) After completing the formalities to pass the Panama Canal and paying dearly, here we are on our way to the Pacific. A canal pilot is with us and we have three more crew members (Philippe de Papou and Richard & Cynthia from…
The complexity of the formalities to pass the Canal is part of the myths in the world of sailboats that sail around the world. We fear them, So we inquire by reading everything we find on the subject.... Many evenings are spent between captains comparing the latest news. Une multitude d’agents…
Friday 4 January 2013 – Position 9 21.85N 79 53.61W A little more than 152 miles and 26 sailing hours to reach Puerto Cristobal (Colon). It is the port at the entrance of the Panama Canal (Atlantic side). First half without wind… so to the engine, then in the middle of the night the wind rises… but…
Monday 24 December 2012 – Position 9 19.930N 82 14.875W A hop to anchor in front of the village of Bocas del Toro. Descent ashore to complete entry formalities into Panama. The Office of Maritime Affairs is closed! eh yes, it's Christmas Eve. The police station makes…
Sunday 23 December 2012 – Position 9 24.00N 82 18.75W Distance travelled since 24 hours: 120 miles – Cape due south (180°) Arrival in the rain. The coast and its rocks on which the sea breaks violently is visible only at the last moment. Wind and current are strong… and against us. It's…
Saturday 22 December 2012 – Position 11 42.43N 82 20.27W Distance travelled since 24 hours: 150 miles – Cape due south (180°) Yesterday was marked by a succession of violent squalls with waterspouts and wind greater than 35 Nodes (63 km/h). At the beginning we reduce the surface of the sails to…