Gary AKA Bosun's blog
Winya_wynah
Wed 29 Apr 2009 15:18
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So, the invite was to join Winya Wynah to be a line
handler for the Panama Canal transit. Having been through the Suez and Corinth
Canals in the Royal Navy this was a real must.
After arriving at PC (Tocumen) in the evening with
30'C, spending the night in a hotel, travelling
through a tropical storm in a bus & a 4x4 we set eyes on Winya Wynah for the
first time.
Our Capitano & No.1 were sheltering below, we
joined them for a cup of tea,
 then it was 'Gary could you fix the water
pump, done, compass light, done, duo-gen, done. (All secretly
enjoyed)!
 (Winny being dressed ready for the Canal Transit in
tyres by Gary and Carlos)
We negotiate the Gatun locks after a couple of days
in the marina,
 once through we anchor 100 yds from the tropical
rain forest bordering the lake. The next morning however we are unable to raise
the anchor, after all options have been expended the decision to cut the rope
above the chain is executed by myself. This was not something I took lightly,
however with no other options it was done.
The Canal passage itself was fantastic. Something
never forgotten.
 Just wish I could continue with El Capitano and
Numero Uno - thank you both for a great time.
Tight lines on those fishing days
ahead!
Photo's courtesy of John our official transit
photographer.
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