We left Gran Canaria yesterday afternoon with a spring in our step and a freshly rinsed cockpit, thanks to the amazing new deck wash hooked up to the freshwater tanks which will stop the boat getting salt all over the place which is a pain as everything gets damp. Those projects to split the water tanks with a ball valve and relocate the water maker selector were completed, and the new engines were serviced, the cupboards are now bursting with supplies, and we even managed to squeeze in an extra 600 liters of fuel in some water barrels to extend our range. For added comfort, we also snagged a couple of electric fans and a low-power microwave – little luxuries can make a big difference at sea. Unfortunately we didn't have time to get any burgers for snacks.
Clearing out with the border police was straightforward– just 20 minutes and we were off! The harbor exit, however, was a bit of an adrenaline rush, dodging tugboats, pilots, barges, and ships like a slalom skier. With the deeply reefed main hoisted in some blustery conditions, we pulled away from the comfort of land and headed back into the Atlantic.
As we ease away from the Canaries, the familiar Atlantic swell starts to roll in. Settling into a comfortable rhythm, we're enjoying the freedom of having some flexibility in our passage plan. We can play a bit with the wind (currently around 25 knots and a little further north than expected) and go where it takes us, without worrying about getting pushed off course. Our ultimate destination is Panama, but with stops along the way and the entire Caribbean to choose from, we're letting the wind be our guide.
Right now, we're cranking out the miles in a generally good direction – even though the exact "where" remains a bit of a mystery. The open ocean awaits, and we're ready to go somewhere.
