Shelter bay marina is really lovely. We’re pretty averse to marinas generally but shelter bay is fantastic. Really amazing melting pot of boats doing all kind from the mundane (jist circumnavigating the middle) to the fairly full on. The boat next to us is a 47’ custom aluminium French boat. Lifting keel so can dry. Has been to Antarctica and done the NW passage. Just a couple on board who are probably in their 80’s. They’re sailing home to New Caledonia. We’re going to leave for the San blas islands while we wait for our slot for transit of the canal. Reputed to be the finest islands in the Carribean. Asked the above French couple about them. ‘We were there in ‘82 and don’t really want to go back as they’re probably not as quiet!!’ 

Marina has a swimming pool and vv cold beer. My head hurts a little today even if we did soak up the beer with a burger and chips. 

Our agent, Stanley is lovely. He’s got us a slot for may 4th which is really quick. Sadly not quick enough to allow M&D to stay with us. They have to get home in time for their next holiday to Italy. 

Overnight passage to San blas this evening. about 70 miles away. They look stunning. Great diving/fishing and hopefully enough wind to foil. A big barrier reef we’re going to anchor behind so hopefully I’ll find a wave as well.