Panama Canal, Panama

"There are three kinds of men, said the ancient Greeks: the living, the dead, and those at sea." Even though our crew is used to "goodbyes", it was with some emotion that we cast off, leaving Martinique behind us after 6 months in the Caribbean zone.

The convoy from Martinique to the Canal was not at all restful for our crew; the short nights followed the long hours of watch, with renewable energies all around! Sun, wind, a constant swell and an average speed of almost 7 knots with peaks at 10.27 knots: our ship had all the elements together to be in overproduction of energy, with hydrogen tanks at 101%! An energy surplus at sea that forced us to cut certain solar panels; a situation rare enough to be highlighted.

After a few days moored at the mouth of the Canal on the Atlantic side, our ship started the crossing in the early morning. A navigation from lock to lock which is carried out in two stages, accompanied by a local pilot.

Divided into two parallel lanes to facilitate the simultaneous passage of boats, the Panama Canal has several lakes and locks before reaching the Pacific. The role of the locks is to allow the navigation of boats in spite of the difference in level, since the canal was built across the mountain. Our ship thus rose 26 meters at the first lock, enough to impress our captain!

The story of this first part of the navigation carried out at night to Lake Gátun is to be discovered in video.

Two days of navigation, shortened nights and one last lock to cross before seeing the Holy Grail of the crossing: the waters of the Pacific! A first for our ship and its crew, who make no secret of their excitement.

Our vessel is now moving away from the Panamanian coast to enter the Pacific Ocean, heading southwest! A first navigation in this ocean which alone covers one third of our blue planet.