Crossing the Panama Canal!

Paul Ward

What an awesome experience, and a first for Stardust! We were lucky enough to have a one day crossing, and despite the 3am wake up call I’ll take that over spending the night on Gatún Lake. Having an experienced and professional advisor makes all the difference; I did a practice run a few weeks ago and an overstepping and overcompensating advisor (who did nothing but yell at people because he wasn’t able to communicate what was needed) just about ruined the experience. Renaldo was all around awesome! A 5:30am crossing of the Gatún locks was beautiful, as the weather was cool with just enough light to comfortably see. Unfortunately, once across the lake, torrential rain made for an interesting time, having to be out line tending in the lightning and thunder as we descended the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. The cherry on top: getting to cross the locks with a bona-fide floatilla! It’s more normal for one raft of 2-3 boats to go along with a ship, instead of 6 rafts all in the lock. And the best news of all? It’s the captain’s birthday, so chocolate cake to celebrate!

Boat & Crew

Stardust

Outremer, 45

Paul Ward

Owner