Sailing in Panama – Sailing with Saphir

We topped up the boat and then started our 45NM to Las Perlas . Lovely to see the Panama skyline from the sea.

It is not much wind so we motorsail down to Las Perlas and the Island Contadora where most off the fleet is anchored and getting prepared for the sailing to Galapagos.

Due to that our 1 autopilot still isn’t working after trying different ways Edgar decide to connect the autopilot direct from the steering to the box. So now we have a cable from the sofa in our bedroom through the kitchen and up in to the autopilot connection. When we not ursine it it is easy to disconnect and let the cable hang on the inside of the boat. In the evening we had barbecue and prize giving ceremoni for the leg Santa Marta to SanBlas. Our friends on Sara of Sweden won their group and we came in third in ours. Our sailsetting is still great for us, so we keep it for a while, twSo nice to meet up everyone after some went earlier from ShelterBay and had left when we came to Panama.

The day after we had Olympic Games on the beach with most of the boats involved. It was great fun and lots off laughs and lots of ”kämpar glöd” on all parts. Thank you Louise for arranging it it was so fun.

Skippers breifing, a sundowner and then dinner at an Italian restaurant that made it a special evening for us. The chef was fantastic, he had prepared a set menu for all of us and wow this was good. If you ever go to Las Perlas and Contadora Island don’t miss Casa Tortugos. Ended up buying a Panama hat as well. In the morning I saw Louise up in the mast . Bravo lady.

We arrive late afternoon and was greeted by Swade from ARC. First we have a drink on the deck after a great day on the Panama Canal. We say Thank you to our crew when they leave us and looking forward to have more crew onboard again.It is very nice to have company onboard from time to time. Next one that is planned is Eva that will join us from Tahiti

First some shopping again to Allbroke mall. Found me new shoes so now I can use my fine shoes as fine shoes again. In the late afternoon we take a taxi and get in to old town together with Michel, Petra and Fleur. Lots off nice renovated houses and also lots that needs some attention . A drink on the rooftop before dinner and then more drinks on the next rooftop with lots WARC(world arc) friends.

Sunday morning we went on WARC guided tour of Panamas history and visit to old town. Our guide was great and have lots of energy and pumped us with so much interesting history about Panama and the canal. One was about the big riot when the student demanded that the American school in the Canal Zone also should have the Panama Flagg outside there school and not the American. This costed many students life and today there is a memorial site in the previous canal zone.

We went up to a fantastic view point. On the way we say a sloth sleeping in the three. Up at the top we had view over the canal, American bridge, yatch harbour and Panama city.

After that we went in to old town and got to see some more nice places and the old church. On the way in we pass a not so very nice area with lots off graffiti and very sad houses. After the tour we went for lunch with the group in a new open Italian restaurant. I saw a painting on the way there that I really loved but unfortunately the shop was closed so Erika maybe you like to make your mother happy in between your knitting?

Tomorrow we will fill up with diesel and then head down to Las Perlas. Would have loved to have some more days here in Panama but it is time to move on.

Hugs Eva