It’s the third day of our attempts to steer out of the Gulf of Panama. It’s a nasty job as all the winds and waves, having roamed through the Pacific, come to this point. Hence, the wave and wind in the face. We tried to sail with the motor on, burned out a third of all the diesel oil, but everything was in vain. The forecast does not please us, either. Instead of sailing south-west to the Galapagos Islands, we’re drifting south to Ecuador. Everything is wet and salty. Lena’s cabin on the bow got completely flooded when we slightly opened the hatch to let in some air as it was too stuffy. Lena is homeless now. Well, we got too relaxed in Panama. We have a great wish to send it to hell and come back.

Last year, the first attempt of a couple from Russia, Angelika and Alexander, failed and they returned. Max and Natalia with their girls Polina and Ksenia are about to follow us.

Get ready guys, it’s gonna be hard! The first two days don’t try to set the sail, run on the motor taking the course of about 220 degrees until you are abeam the cape of Pedros, pass it in about 50 miles, don’t come closer – fishermen. It’s about 100 miles more of the wind ahead, make a reserve. Then it’s gonna be south-south-west, try to sail south. I manage to steady 160-180. Think of buying a barrel of diesel oil and fasten it tightly on the deck. Fasten everything – the wave is small and nasty. During a thunderstorm, it’s whistling at the speed of up to 25-30. There are lots of vessels – watch out!