A small sailboat anchored outside the Amador Marina at the Southern entrance of the Panama Canal. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
March 23, 2011 by Omar Upegui R.
A small sailboat anchored outside the Amador Marina at the Southern entrance of the Panama Canal. Photo ©Omar Upegui R.
If I had my wishes given to me, though the boat yesterday probably costs a lot more, I would pick this one. I think it reminds me of the days of sailing and I like that.
Though it must have been a horrible way to live especially when a cannon ball slams into the side of a ship sending showers of splinters of all sizes into everyone and everything. It must have been awful.
If you ask me, a sailboat might look more romantic, but I’d take yesterday’s sleek yacht anytime.
Your comment about cannon balls slamming into a vessel reminded me of Panama´s rich history. The original Panama City settled by early Spanish explorers was destroyed by a Welch pirate under the name of Henry Morgan. The whole city was torched and sacked by these buccaneers hungry for gold.
We have had more than our fair share of pirates, cannon balls and splintered ships.
Regards,
Omar.-
I’ll take the sailboat! haha
What little bit I know about sailing I learned in Panama. My exec officer bought a 21 foot single mast, twin keel with something called a storm helm (to this day I don’t know what some of that means?). He and I were both novices; he kept the boat moored at Diablo Heights which meant getting the boat from there to the ocean.
It was equipped with a woefully small 5 HP motor used mainly for navigating the moorings and was just barely up to the task of keeping us out of the way of the ocean going ships in the canal. That is when we learned that powered craft have the right-of-way while in the canal, so if we managed to get in front of a ship and the little engine that couldn’t quit on us (frequently), we would be run under with no regard for our survival.
Once the stress of passing under the bridge and reaching open water was gone, the enjoyment of running with the wind is amazing. Nothing is so quiet as traveling with the breeze, the fish and birds think you are one of them and are happy to accompany you on your trip. Of course, cannonballs have a way of ruining everyone’s day!
Omar, once again your photos are bringing back memories of wonderful days in Panama! Thank you.
jim and nena
fort worth, tx
Hi Jim and Nena:
Hey, Jim that that was quite a remarkable narrative about your sailing days in Panama. I’m glad my pictures are stirring up your writing juices.
I enjoyed reading your experiences in Panama and that my pictures are recreating those past experiences.
Regards,
Omar.-
If you want your “juices” stirred, try looking up at several stories of ocean-going ship headed your way! haha
Still, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
jim and nena
fort worth, tx