The AIS display showed what seemed to be hundreds of ships. We could see those in the Atlantic anchorage, the Flats waiting to pass through the Canal, those already in the process of going through the Canal and even those waiting on the Pacific side. Truly an amazing display. We found later that AIS is required for ships (and sailboats) transiting the Canal. If you do not have it, you have to rent a unit from them.

We called Cristobol Control for permission to enter the breakwater about 4:00 PM. We then entered the breakwater, following a dredger, about 5:30 and proceeded to Shelter Bay Marina -- bery close to the entrance.

As we neared the Panama Canal, we saw MANY large ships. Thenk goodness for the AIS. We called many on the VHF and it was good to be able to call them by name. The weather was fair but we faced several thunderstorms -- complete with lightning.

This is the first time we have sailed mainly downwind. We found it to be an amazing experience. We sailed several days "wing and wing" with the addition of the staysail. We used a preventer for the mainsail and the whiskerpole for the genoa. In 15-20 knots of wind we made 7-8 knots -- our hull speed.

Sam and Marilyn flew to Puerto Rico and decided to spend the first day signtseeing. Sam has always wanted to see Arecibo Radio Telescope. It is on the north shore of Puerto Rico, in the hills (I hesitate to call them mountains). The site was chosen because it is part of the US and close to the equator. It also has the adcantage that there is a natural "sink hole" which is below the telescope itself -- and used for the reflector.