We have recently crossed the Atlantic and our plans were to stay in the Northern Hemisphere for a year and sell our
boat. We have now decided we like our
boat too much to sell her and the past 18 months has been spent making her right. (Don't think we will ever buy a
new boat ever again!) So now the only way to get home is the long way round. Currently on
route to the
Panama Canal and homeward bound for Tasmania. btw our boat is a
Catana 42.
As this is a new decision and there seems little time for planning we would appreciate any
advice on crossing the
Canal, preparation for the trip, timing and things we need to know because at this stage we just don't know.
Here are a few of my questions.
Where is the best place to provision? (Currently we are in
Martinique so French
shopping available). I am presuming we need to prepare for the bulk of our supplies before we slip into the Pacific. This is based on cost and availability. Is that correct?
Is it worth the effort to do your own paperwork to cross the
canal?
We plan to go through canal mid to late March. Thoughts....
Is there things we must consider taking from those who are in the know?
Crossing the Atlantic it was all about sailing downwind. Is this case for the Pacific, not sure what to expect...
Finally it is such a long way it has taken my
head a little time to get used to the idea. Am I only the only one who has needed to take a few big breaths before we jump? My mum thinks I am crazy. I almost posted a
poll as to whether or not I am actually crazy but my
Captain assures me that sailing so far is a great idea
Thanks in advance.
Cheers
the Miss
Miss Catana