Two Fish - Day 34: Ready, Set, Gone

At 11 am Panama time the Rally committee the starting gun to begin the leg to the Galapagos. It was a downwind start with a half knot of current pushing us across the line. A racing mono hull was early and luffed us up at the start to avoid crossing the line early. Cruising cats can not respond with equally nimble behavior to a racing mono hull. I turned the helm hard to starboard and the Two Fish crew luffed our jib. We slowed the boat and avoided the racing boat. A little too much excitement for a start of a rally.

Shortly after the gun went off we navigated by a few reefs. Gail was hard at work on the tablet to ensure we avoided any rocks. Twenty minutes later we were in deep water and it was time for the chute. Two Fish accelerated doing a solid 8 knots. We slowly started picking off the faster rated boats and the loved the large pink chute. It was not without effort as we had to jibe multiple times to keep clear of the big boats wind blanketing rigs.

The breeze filled in to over 25 knots and Mike snuffed the chute will Rebecca rolled out the genoa. We now had to weave through the busy shipping lanes. We chose our spot with the help of the AIS. I never cross a large ship's bow but at the panama canal approach you have to find a spot and go for it. One large mono hull chose a novel and illegal technique. She was sailing up the middle of the inbound lane with 3 large ships heading toward her. Sailboats are required to pass across these canal approach lanes at 180 degree angle. This boat skipped this rule. A distraught captain of a container ship hailed him and asked "what was your intention". I think the captain wanted to ask him what was his problem. The sailboat then replied that he was sailing and could only turn to starboard. That must have gotten a response on the container ship! A guy driving the wrong way on a one way starts dictating terms. The three ships adjusted their speed and course. No darwin award was given today despite the sailboat's best efforts.

We have the screecher and full main flying in 20 knots which is fine but I have my eyes open as reefing will be required later tonight. The forecast is for more breeze and some uncomfortable waves over 2 meters. The forecast goes on to predict that after two days of good breeze we may be forced to motor in light airs.

Happy now, I love it at sea. Passages are a place I feel comfortable and relish the time.

Jason and the great crew of two fish
www.twofishcat.com