We haven't parted ways with it yet, but as we float in Cristobal Harbor, our tenure with the Atlantic has certainly reached its denouement. I grew up swimming on its shores, from South Carolina to Delware, and have obviously sailed a fair bit of it as well.
During our trip from Virginia to Panama, we never came at odds with the Atlantic. Sure we had some swells here and there, but all in all, it was easy sailing. Of course, we always kept an eye out for any misgivings. Well aware of its potential, we were always ready to dart out of its way should it get moody.
And dart we did. We spent Virginia and North Carolina hidden in the Intracoastal Waterway. We waited in Florida for a weather window (and again in Georgetown, and yet again in South Caicos).
But when we went offshore, our days were truly pleasant. From our screaming 8 kt broad reach into Provo, to our lake-like crossing to Puerto Plata, we had the kinds of conditions that sailors wait all summer for.
Our trip across the Caribbean to Cartegena was nerve racking at times, and unpleasant at others, but it was fine. No need to be greedy.
Our most recent leg was a 16 hour overnight hop from Porvenir to Colon. A 15 kt offshore wind preceded by three days of calm gave us the opportunity to sail the WTP like the classic dinghy she always wanted to be. Sporting full sails most of the way, the WTP locked into a 15 degree heel with hardly any pitching or rolling worth mentioning.
We had to motor our final stretch into the Cristobal breakwater the next morning, but the prior night's sail seemed to be the Atlantic's fond farewell. And we'd like to thank it for serving as a most hospitable host. We had such a nice time, that we'll probably be back. In fact, I know we will.
See you in Cape Town/Gibralter.