15/5/09 - 9.15.6N 79.55.1W
Flying Cloud
Julian Nichols
Fri 15 May 2009 17:41
We have fueled up all of the fixed tanks and bladders and the boat is heavily laden down.
We just had time for a quick swim, and then it was time to say goodbye to Shelter Bay marina and we were off - a 17.45 Panama Canal transit time....
Well that was the theory, the reality was MUCH better. A delay until 19.45, a brilliant Pilot Adviser (Roy) and a transit with Elvis was on the cards.
We entered the Gatun Locks tied up nice and snug at around 20.00 in the end, with the Argentinian Star ahead of us.
Going through the 3 "up" locks proved to be much easier than anyone had described, helped by the fact that each boat only had to handle 2 lines.
No need for all the tires next time!
We were anchored up in the Gatun lake by 21.00, just in time for a celebratory drink with Elvis.
