can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

American Spirit II - Day 14; Clearing into Isla Porvenir; January 18, 2014



Woke up 6:50 AM, just in time to see a commercial propeller aircraft land at the Isla Porvenir air strip. A daily flight from Panama City. This air strip was possibly constructed during World War II, for air craft on patrol against Nazi submarines in the Caribbean and especially on the approaches to the Panama Canal.

Everybody slept well last night. No watch keeping; no rock and roll under sail; no wave noise, just the trade winds blowing. It was eerie anchoring in 64 plus feet of water. A deep anchorage. We had 210 feet of chain out, a 3 to 1 scope. Probably should have had more. 200 feet of chain weighs 200 pounds. We carry a total of 300 feet. Chain is not necessary in the San Blas Islands, but is in the South Pacific atolls we will be visiting. On the last 30 feet of anchor chain, a flexible, stretchable nylon line is attached to act as a shock absorber, secured to a cleat on the bow. This eliminates the chain was pulling taught and stressing the bow roller; and helps ensure that the anchor doesn't pull out or drag.

Early breakfast today. As usual, eggs with ham mixed in; bread, butter, jelly and peanut butter; and coffee. After breakfast we inflated the Zodiac Wave 10.2 feet dingy, using an electric air pump to do so; added the seat; fitted the two oars (which we hope never to use); and then assembled the Torqeedo Electric Outboard Motor (it's in 3 parts:shaft, lithium battery and handset); and car propel us at up to 5 knots. The reason for the electric outboard is that gasoline outboard's are heavier; malfunction a lot; and require explosive gasoline. When the electric outboard runs out of charge, we just plug it in to an outlet on the boat and in 14 hours its recharged. Maintenance free, also. And it can be dropped overboard and retrieved, and still work.

Since our vessel was still under quarantine, I was the only person allowed off th boat until we cleared thru Customs and Immigration on the island. Boats not yet cleared in must fly a yellow quarantine flag on the left spreader. The Panamanian flag is flown on the right spreader. Whenever we enter a new country, protocol dictates we fly the flag of the country we're visiting. (So we carry over different flags on board). Not doing so could delay our clearances being given. Besides filling out paperwork, our passports were stamped; a copy of the boats Documentation Certificate was produced and given to the authorities; and the Cruising Permit ($200) paid; 3 crew permits ($100 each) paid; and a boat fee ($20) and individual fees ($5) payable to the Kuna Indians.

Helping significantly with the clearing in process were three employees of the World Cruising Club from England. Suzana, Joel and David. As with the international flavor of the boats, which represent 9 or 10 different countries; the WCC staff are from Lisbon, Portugal; Cowes, England; and Italy.

After clearing, I returned to the boat and picked up Joel and Darlene and we returned to the island and walked around. Besides the air strip and government offices; there was one bar and restaurant and a couple of stores selling Molas, the Kuna Indian hand sewn tapestries. We stopped for a beer in the restaurant and were impressed at the cost, $1. Met crew from 2 other boats which there. One, named Celebrate, is a US boat like us.

After leaving Isla Porvenir, we headed to a Kuna Indian village on Isla Wichubhuala. About the size of a couple of acres. Most of the Indians we saw were women and children, the men being out working on the mainland during the daytime hours. A number of the ladies were selling Molas, the Kuna Indian hand stitched tapestries in bright colors. Typical patterns were of fish, birds, Indians themselves; frogs; turtles; etc. A typical Molas 12 inches square cost $18. Molas pursed were also sold; and one was procured for Kayden, my granddaughter who will be joining the rally when we tour the Great Barrier Reef. We also passed by a Bakery, and were fortunate enough to buy some Pan Bread that had literarily come out of the oven as we entered. It was almost too hot to hold in your hand. We suffered and ate. 5 pieces, each shaped like a giant cigar, cost $1. We bought 3.

Back on board in the late afternoon, dinner consisted of (frozen) lobster tails from Tampa. Along with melted butter, they were sumptuous. The rest of the meal consisted of Pan Bread, reheated in the microwave; a can of corn; and a chilled fruit cocktail for dessert. Some of the Kuna Indians came by our boat during the day selling live lobsters and crabs. I haven't yet acquired the 'skill' of dropping one of these alive into a pot of boiling water. I'm sure I will during our trip - just not there yet.

Brian Fox




Previous | Next