Our transit of the Panama Canal began on the evening of Thursday 27 January. The 15 yachts of the 2nd World ARC transit group assembled at the Flats anchorage and at 1730 we were joined by the 'Advisor' - like a Pilot but more junior. Under his direction and fendered with wrapped motor tyres, we headed for the Gatun Locks. We had also padded all windows with cushions and removed a solar panel and our bimini to protect against damage from the 'monkey's fist' throwing lines which form the leader for the 120 foot warps needed for the locks.

There we formed a nest with 'Tucanon' and 'Bristol Rose' and over a period of 90 minutes, we passed through the 3 lock chambers, rising 26 metres to Gatun Lake where we spent the night tied to a buoy after being invited for 'Mariscos' on Portuguese yacht 'Thor VI'.

The next morning we were joined by a new Advisor and transited Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks to the Pacific.

We are spending 3 nights at Flamenco Marina, more geared to sports fishing boats than yachts.

We have decided to miss the leg to Ecuador and spend some time at the Las Perlas Islands before heading direct to the Galapagos, expecting to arrive there about 20 February. We hope to be in company with the Budd family on 'Bristol Rose' and possibly Roger & Janice Dance who will transit in 'Beaujolais' on 12 February. We will then rejoin the WARC fleet to explore the Galapagos and sail the 3000+ miles to the Marquesas.

Where did you get that hat??

Panama City