On the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal, it is under spinnaker that Maloya slaloms between the cargo ships to reach the Columbus Marina. After the bunkering and the administrative formalities with their agent - who also explained to them the method of passing through the locks - Sarah and Aurélien are now ready to reach the Pacific.
On deck, Maloya is loaded with huge fenders and moorings that will be used to tie the boat in each lock chamber, waiting for the water to rise.
For this passage, they will be accompanied by Aurélien's aunt and uncle, but also by a pilot. They will cross the Canal in company of their boat next to the pontoon, skippered by a woman as well and a large cargo ship.
After two hours of waiting, the first door went through. An impressive moment! The touline apples are sent from the docks on the Maloya deck and received by the crew to hang the sailboat, while Sarah is at the helm.
As the sluice goes through, the emotion rises for Sarah. It's a new stage of life that the family is about to experience. An emotion also shared by the captain of their boat neighbour.
It is finally time to pass the 3rd gate and reach Gatun Lake, where the family will spend the night moored on a buoy in the company of three other sailboats.
