2014 Across the Pacific - Galapagos
Malua left the Panama Canal bound for the Galapagos. It was one
of the best sails I have had. Mostly downwind on smooth seas.
We left Santiago de Cuba on the way south. Had to call into
Jamaica to fix the freezer for a few days and did some land travel then
on south to the San Blas to purchase a few Molas. We arrived in
Shelter Bay Panama and had to wait for five days to get the paperwork
organised before traversing the Canal.
We arrived in the Pacific and called into the anchorage to get the last
of the fresh food before heading off to the Galapagos.
The Vietnamese crew left by mutual agreement - she would not have
lasted past Panama. I now have a new crew who is more than
willing to learn and help around the boat. Not interested in
parting with any fellow in the vicinity. Welcome on board.
Malua
passed through the Panama canal in two days and anchored in the
roadstead just out of Panama City to provision before leaving for a
three day cruise in the Las Perlas islands. This was a time to
slow down and enjoy the environment with the new crew Toby.
Christine had reluctantly left Malua wanting to stay free before
she got a new berth but non were available to she stay free with
people for a few days. I was pleased to see her go. Toby on
the other had was a great asset on the boat and soon learnt how to
stand watch and do the things on a complex boat.
Our
passage to the Galapagos was a dream run. We had three days of
wind aft of the beam with the reacher up for two days and the big
spinnaker for a whole day. Malua loved the conditions. On
Toby's watch the wind dropped and went forward and we had to set
different sails and a new course. Luckily it was a close reach in
10 to 115 knots of wind so we settled down for an easy ride into the
Galapagos. We arrived just after sunset on the fifth day almost
12 hour ahead of Jack Tar.
The
agent came aboard and took all the papers and $700 for a 21 day stay.
The most expensive checkin we have experienced. It included
an underwater inspection of the hull to see we where not carrying any
foreign creatures.
After
a days rest I booked on to a five day tour of three other islands.
It was the best way to see the islands and the animals and birds.
The group was good, the food great and the guide - the most
important part very knowledgeable.
I
am back on Malua ready for the next leg towards the Marqueses. I
do this alone, happy to have the boat back to myself. It will be
a 21 to 26 day passage.
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