GALACSEA'S ADVENTURES

Thursday February 6, 2014

 

We leave Santa Marta Marina heading to the San Blas islands, in Panama, 280 nm away. We land 42hours later, having cruised at an average speed of almost 7kn. I have to say, we were extremely lucky on this passage, which has such a bad reputation for fierce winds and huge seas. We had noticed a very small weather window, which seemed doubtful judging by the 25-30 kn that had been blowing over the very sheltered marina for several days. Indeed, as we exit the Santa Marta Bay, we are met with 40kn wind gusts and rather big seas. One such gust takes us to the floor and anything that hadn’t been properly secured inside takes a free ride. Good warning !! Not a good start. However, the weather forecasts quickly prove accurate as the winds get more steady and the sea tames itself. We cruise at 1500 degree angle to the wind, a very comfortable course that does not require the use of pole. We move at 9kn in 30kn apparent wind. We have 7-10 ft waves, but they are manageable as they come from behind., except for a few that hit us sideways, spraying all over the bimini and the cockpit . Luckily, none break on us and the dinghy, which we left on its davits, is fine. We are wet and sticky. We roll from side to side and that first night is rather uncomfortable and somewhat nauseating. Things get better the next day as the sea gets flatter and the winds subside. Hurrah ! We are out of the dreadful zone. The rest is easy – 15kn apparent wind at 1400 angle., big seas but less rolly. The second night gives us magnificent stars and fluorescent seas, as well as a number of flying fish landing all over the deck. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, 5 :30 AM, we are at the entrance of the San Blas archipelago, which we enter slowly and carefully. It is a well known fact that, in that region, maps are inaccurate and not all reefs are noted. It is still pitch dark, no moon and clouds cover any dim light that might come from the stars. We head to the Waisaladup anchorage in the western Holandes Cays, which seems fairly clear of reefs. Indeed, no problem. There are 4 boats in the anchorage, only 2 of which have their night light. Lucklily, it is now 6 :15, the day is breaking. We get a warm welcome from dolphins that jump around the boat. It’s magical. They came to say goodbye in Martinique and welcome us here. We let down the anchor in 20ft water. We have now completed leg #1 of this trip. 

 

Position:  9.35.723N – 78.46.421W.

 

Before going down, we get a glimpse of the place – it is magnificent. Incredible. If paradise exists, it’s here.