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Panama, the City of Hats

Writer's picture: FatjaxFatjax

La Playita Marina, Panama - Isla Contadora, Las Perlas Islands

Saturday 10th - Tuesday 13th February 2024


There’s a pattern emerging. It goes like this: we make a trip, we fix the boat, we provision the boat, and then we make a trip again....


We had a busy couple of days. There was an organised walking tour around the streets and buildings of interest in Panama City, which was informative.


Iain and Dugald went on a shopping trip for the essentials in life: fishing tackle, beer, and wine. Next was the supermarket outing. We’re becoming quite proficient at scanning the aisles and filling the trolley. We have a shared shopping list between the three of us on our phones which we amended at any time and is automatically updating to everyone. With this system, when shopping, we divide and conquer the list in record time. Technology is a wonderful thing!

We are becoming most adept at this military operation. All three trolleys were wheeled out of the supermarket and loaded into a taxi.


The next purchasing trip was for fuel, which Iain undertook alone. A taxi was hailed from the rank at the marina. Cans were filled and returned in record time. Sadly, in his quest to use his time efficiently, Iain exited the car, leaving his beloved Lucky Hat on the back seat. However, the aim of the mission was completed efficiently, and the satisfaction of another tick on the sublist of The List was rewarded. With such jubilation, the hat was not missed for some time.


It is fair to say, Lucky Hat has seen better days. It was purchased at least nine years ago and has protected Iain's fair complexion through all weathers. At the time of purchase, Iain bought two hats,a cream one and a blue one. The cream one is never worn in favour of the lucky blue one. In all its years shielding Iain, this hat has never seen the inside of a washing machine and consequently, is not the most elegant piece of attire my husband owns. I once suggested a change, it was pointed out, Lucky Hat is functional and still fit for purpose...... But not anymore.


The absence of Lucky Hat brought much distress. The cream one was in the back of the drawer, but it was not the same. I suggested we purchase a replacement. Perhaps something a little more stylish and becoming of a rather handsome man with greying temples and the onset of a less firm complexion? As we were in Panama, what else could it be? There are some very fine establishments in Panama City which make traditional, authentic, high quality, stylish hats. My husband will look handsome. However, for Iain to agree, a few cocktails were called for. Dugald agreed. We found a very nice rooftop bar overlooking the main thoroughfare with lots of shops. We imbibed, helping Iain warm to the idea of a dapper Panama hat. Unfortunately, we mistimed our exit. We had one too many cocktails, which meant the closest we would get to purchasing an authentic hat in Panama, was from a tourist shop ten feet from the bar. It was best we returned to the boat.


Of course, there was the obligatory day of hull cleaning and boat jobs which Iain and Dugald tackled with purpose. The stipulations for entry to the Galapagos are long and stringent. If their regulations were not met, we would be deniged entry. Iain was not going to trust anyone else to clean the hull. By the end of the day, every inch of our hull was gleaming.


When all was in order, we had a complete day off. We went to a very commercial shopping center where we had haircuts and bought some clothes. Again, we split up, agreeing to meet at the cash desk in 25 minutes. There was some discussion at the desk as Iain and Dugald both presented the same shirt to the cashier. Neither was going to change their choice. Iain was at the front of the queque. It was for Dugald to relinquish his choice. Dugald would not concede. Dugald was convinced the shirt would suit him better than his father. Both men made their purchase in silence. I had a feeling the shirts would be the cause of many power struggles in the months to come.


Armed with our bags, we returned to the marina. Iain noticed a few taxis lined up by the gate. He casually perrused the line of cars, looking in the back windows. Ha! There was Lucky Hat on the back seat. What joy! His equilibrium had been restored. The white hat was returned to the drawer and Dugald gained a tourist-style Panama hat.



12th February 2024, 11:00 - 17:00

La Playita Marina, Panama City - Isla Contadora, Las Perlas Islands,

Our next adventure was about to begin. We motored to Isla Contadora for a barbecue, prize giving, and skipper's briefing.


The sea was flat calm, the wind was very slight, the correct conditions for Dugald to practice flying his drone. The drone was deployed from the stern, circling the boat, venturing a little further with each circle. All was well, Dugald was happy with the footage, and Iain was sent to the foredeck to catch the drone as it returned. Iain missed the catch, easily done. Dugald panicked. He dropped the controls, the drone stopped, but the boat continued moving forward at some speed. The drone hit the rigging, bounced backwards, falling into the companionway. Luckily, only a couple of blades were damaged and drone catching was researched by both men!

The next morning, last-minute preparations were undertaken. In the evening, we joined our ARC friends for the entertainment. The barbecue was a roaring success. The event was relaxed and informal. Iain and Axel Jepsen, who owns Solaris, a Nautitech 45-28, were very proud to win a fun prize, forcing them both to celebrate with a little extra beer.


Heads would be sore on the start line in the morning .....



























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