We returned to Panama at the end of January, laden with spare parts and excited to be embarking on the next leg of our travels. Moondance, looking like new after a coat of anti-fouling, was lowered back into the water and preparations for the Canal crossing began.
On Saturday 8th February we left Shelter Bay Marina accompanied by 1 professional line-handler, 3 acquaintances, and a Canal pilot to advise us. The crossing would take 2 days – firstly through 3 locks spending the night in Lake Gatun, then on day 2 the remaining 4 locks. Four line-handlers are needed to maintain the boat in these huge locks. We tied up to a catamaran who in turn was rafted alongside a small passenger boat. Then an enormous tanker entered behind us pulled by 4 railroad engines and the gigantic lock doors closed. The water rose, the front doors opened and we sailed towards the next locks before finally entering Lake Gatun. Day 2 a different pilot came aboard, we crossed 4 locks and then beheld the Pacific Ocean. There was no turning back!
During the ensuing few days spent in a marina we called our faithful taxi driver, Peter, who drove us to an open-air market and then a big supermarket to stock up for the Pacific crossing. Last minute repairs were done, meals cooked and we set sail for Las Perlas spending 3 nights in these attractive and peaceful islands, before crossing to the Galapagos.
Line-handlers and their extra mooring lines
Our Canal Pilot on board
Going through first lock up to Lake Gatun
Going down towards the Pacific Ocean
“Panamax” tanker moving in the lock with us
The last gate to the Pacific Ocean
One of the many close encounters during our crossing
Panama city Port Operations
Fully automated unloaded of the ship that passed us earlier in the day
Panama City
One of our moorings in the Las Perlas islands
