After a delayed start due to gale force winds, we set off for Puerto Obaldia. We were told by our canal agent, that it is possible to clear customs here and get a cruising permit. Which we needed to be able to enjoy San Blas.

After researching on our various navigational/sailing apps, we knew the anchorage would be rolly. So we made a plan to arrive in the anchorage at midday, check in and then continue our sail to San Blas. Using our average speed from previous trips we calculated we needed to leave Cartagena at 11am to arrive at the anchorage on time to check in. 

However we had 100miles before arriving and our boat speed was slower due to different factors. One of which was the sea state. The sea was still very disrupted from the storm the night before, this made negotiating the waves very challenging and it reduced our boat speed. Additionally, the wind was less than forecasted which again slowed our progress. As a result, we arrived at Puerto Obaldia at 4:30pm, by this time check in was closed and we would need to anchor for the night.

As we approached, we could see there was a large swell in the anchorage which was going to make for a very uncomfortable night! Additionally, it was an onshore breeze making it very dangerous as if we didn’t set the anchor correctly we could end up aground or wrecked on the beach. To top it all off, the anchorage was full of debris. With all these factors against us we decided it was safest to go back out to sea and to check in else where.

So we set off for another 150nm up to San Blas! The sail was now at night and also upwind. We were both frustrated and tired after sailing 100nm in the wrong direction to not achieve anything. However, we pushed on and were rewarded the next day by arriving in the beautiful snug harbour! 

Cartagena to Snug Harbour

Crew

Crew Logs

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