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

Menu

American Spirit II - Day 18; Temporary Ruder Fix; January 22, 2014



The project for the day was to fix the rudder temporarily so we could transit the Panama Canal this Saturday, January 25, as scheduled. To that end Joel Heyne, technician extroadnare, developed a plan to raise up the rudder post using two pieces of star board, PVC piping and plastic ties. By lifting the rudder post, the steering mechanism could swing its full dimension without hitting the bolts that were obstructing it. We had the (expensive) star board on board to use in the event we had a hull breach. We had it on board to patch a hole in the hull if we struck a reef, whale or shipping container.

By noon the rudder was fixed good enough that we had 100% utilization of the steering on the boat. Though the fix may last forever, the goal is to get the new bearings and install them at the top of the rudder post. However, the boat has to be pulled out of the water to do this.

I went to the Rey Supermarket (think Wal-mart)to purchase groceries for the boat, and to go to a Chandlery to look for an anchor, without success.

On the way to the grocery, we had to stop at the canal as two ships passed by. That took 45 minutes. We then drove over a single lane 'bridge' to the other side. Once past the canal, we drove thru a construction area where the new locks are being built. The gates for these locks were standing up on their own like high rise office buildings, no where near where they were going to be installed.

The super market was quite well stocked with canned goods, fruits, breads, sodas, wine, etc. After paying for the groceries (cash only), as I walked away the bag boy stopped me and asked for a tip. Every country has its customs.

At 5:00 PM we had a briefing from Suzana from the World ARC. This briefing was what was given to yachts in St. Lucia. Since we missed that one, we got ours in Panama. Suzana is from Lisbon, Portugal and is particularly 'useful' to the Rally as she speaks 5 languages: Portuguese,Spanish, English, German and one other.

Come dinner, we had hot dogs and corned beef hash. Dessert consisted of cut up pieces of fruit that was salvaged from fruit pieces that were partially spoiling. To top it off, Darlene Heyne had sprinkled cinnamon on the apple and pear pieces before refrigerating them. A culinary delight!

Eating the hot dogs, which were very tasty, was awkward because they were encased in skin like beef jerky is.

Tomorrow will be a busy day, as our boat gets 'measured' by the canal authorities; Joel from the WCC will give us a Safety Inspection, a meeting of all new skippers at 4:00 PM; a rum tasting party at 5:00 PM; and my two brothers should join us at the marina by 6:00 PM. One from Phoenix, Arizona and the other from Chicago.

Brian Fox

Previous | Next