Passage to San Blas Islands near Panama Canal
Oyster Moon
Paul Foskett & Rhu Nash
Mon 6 Feb 2012 15:11
Passage to San Blas Islands near Panama Canal
Day 5 on the 6 February 2012
We left Bonaire at 09.30 (local time), on the 2 February, heading for the San Blas Islands near Colon and the Panama Canal.
>From 12.00 (local time) on the 5 Feb, to Noon on the 6 February 2012, distance travelled Noon to Noon run was 142 miles (log 12421)
24 hour sailing report
The wind speed has now dropped down to between 10 to 15 knots during the last 24 hours. The wave height is 1.0 to 2.5 m.
We are now running down towards the San Blas Islands which is the route used by the commercial shipping coming from, and going to the Panama Canal. So a sharp look out is being kept and the AIS has been very useful in identifying the various ships.
(AIS, automatic identification system). With this system it gives you the name of the vessel its course and speed and its nearest approach distance. So if we think a ship is going to be close to us we can call them on the VHF radio and make them aware of our position. This is great as most of the big ships will then if required alter course to ensure that they pass us at a safe distance.
We have had excellent sailing again just under genoa alone.
The wind is forecast to drop down in wind speed to about 14 to 20 knots with a reduction in wave height also.
We are now sailing in company with Karacool (the 53 foot CAT) who left at the same time as us. They are at present 74 miles ahead of us, and almost at the island we will be arriving at. They also had a very successful fishing day yesterday catching a 30 kg Yellow Fin Tuna. So it will be Tuna steaks all round when we meet up on Tuesday the 7th Feb.
Two other boats, Marite 111 (40 feet) and Camelot (53 feet) left a day later, i.e. they started on the 3rd. Marite 111 is 175 miles behind and Camelot is 110 miles behind.
We have about 68 miles to go, so it looks like we will have to stand off for part of the night before entering the islands, or as we are doing at present sailing slowly so we arrive just off the islands as the sun starts to rise above the horizon, as there are lots of coral heads around these islands and they are best approached during day light
More news on the next noon report.
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