Leaving Jamaica, Heading to Panama

The stormy weather has become quiet again with the SE winds backing to NNE. This will push me down the 550 miles to Panama in 4 -5 days. I will be alone and I don't like to push it while single-handing.

I invited my next door neighbor boat crew, 'Blue Rhapsody', over for dinner. After dinner and dessert, we watched "Pirates of the Caribbean II" on the 40 " big screen with the Bose 5.1 surround sound.

The Captain, Bob, has 5 crew aboard. Two local Trinidad sailor boys to help him with the sailing and 3 young girls he took on as 'shared-expense' crew.

The 2 young girls from Denmark had written him about doing an 'Open Ocean' passage, their first. The other 19 year old from Israel was back-backing and walking the docks looking for a ride. She has also never been on an open ocean voyage.

I was asked if I wouldn't mind taking one of the girls, but I think I would prefer to go it alone until they have proven themselves aboard Bob's 'Blue Rhapsody'.

We will meet up again in Panama where Bob will spend some more time than my intentions call for.

I would like to get to the Galapagos. I spent 2 months there 2 years ago in the Fort Amador - Flamenco Marina on the Pacific side of Panama City 2. That was enough for me.

However, I will stop at 3 of my very favorite islands in the Las Perlas group for a few days rest before continuing on to Galapagos.