Transit of Canal

Well, here we are on the Caribbean side of the Canal. Our transit, unfortunately, only took one day. We were looking forward to staying in Gatun Lake, but it was not to be. We up-locked at 8 am. All went well except for the first lock. We were side-tied to a tug and, once separated we steered a little too directly toward the other side of the lock so that the tug could pull away. We were caught by the turbulence and wind (just as had happened with Hooligan when we were helping line handle her last April) and the boat began to go broadside in the lock. Luckily, Ralph had quick reactions and Fortuitous has a strong motor. We managed to straighten out and head out of the lock. The next two locks went very well.

Once through all the locks and the Colibra Cut and into Gatun lake, it was already 4 pm. Initially, they said we'd overnight there and we were heading to the buoys. Then they changed their minds, and gave directions to our advisor, Victor, that we were to down-lock now. We centre-tied in front of a freighter. All crew handled their lines well and we had no difficulties. By the time we reached the flats to anchor, it was pitch black and blowing like snot (as it had been all day) so anchoring was a chore.

We are stuck here for a couple of days, at least, as a nasty cold front is blowing through...not the sunny Caribbean we expected. It wasn't a comfortable night. Hopefully we can head to Rio Chagras or San Blas before Saturday. More later and photos when we have internet.