It is 0630 local time and we are leaving Panama shortly headed for Isla San Cristobal in the Galapagos. Our port of entry will be Puerto Baquerizo Moreno located at 00 53.702S:089 36.982W. The rhumb line course is 843 nm on a course of 231 magnetic, i.e. South West.
We will not follow that due to ocean currents, the location of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and the Monsoon Trough. At the moment that means we will head south for a couple of days before heading westerly. That can change so it is likely we will cover about 1000 nm before we arrive. My best estimate at the moment is 5 to 7 days at sea. Updates will follow.
Charlene, Stein and I are all Pollywogs, which means we have not crossed the equator in a sailboat. The rules of King Neptune are many and strict and amid much secrecy and shopping my crew has made appropriate arrangements. I have been told instructions on my role will be provided in due course. If it is all suitable for publication there will be pictures, probably after we arrive.
I believe our automatic tracking is working correctly reporting our position about every four hours. It does not do well in the marina because of interference but should work once we are clear of land. However I will post our position on this blog at least every 24 hours just in case.
Time to go....more later