Greetings from yacht Ensemble.
We arrived in Shelter Bay marina yesterday early afternoon. The day was not without it's adventures... we got away ok and could only set the main to the first reef because the halyard was twisted. We had a good sail downwind for the 20nm to the entrance to the Panama Canal - lots of boats about - the AIS looked like one of those screens from Space Invaders...
Just as we got into the marina the wind picked up. We had to reverse into the berth between two super yachts. I was managing ok until one of them hit their bow thruster and sent us sideways - not helped by the wind! We recovered ok and got the boat to the jetty safely - but certainly a bit of a scare. The marina is pretty full - so will have to move the boat again today.
We'll spend today cleaning and provisioning. There is quite a bit of logistics involved in getting through the Canal - so we need to have the boat ready. This includes getting extra fenders and ropes - and preparing the boat for the inspection (it must have a horn, a toilet, and a kitchen capable of preparing a hot meal).
On the repairs front I will have to wait until we get through to the Pacific side...
The marina itself is an old US base - and backs onto a national park. There is a local crocodile that swims around - so a dip or a dive on the boat in the marina is not a good idea. Hopefully will get to wander around
and see some more monkeys and birds.
Cheers
Dave & Magali
21Jan2012 009