Finally Afloat

As agreed, I met Captain Bob at the pontoon. He introduced me to Arnold Ortiz, his Colombian chef, and Viva, his beautiful 45-ft catamaran. He had to go to Panama City to buy a new outboard motor and my job was to help Arnold provision for the passage, fill the extra fuel tanks, fix some leakages in the fresh water system and fill the iceboxes with ice.

Under the supervision of Arnold, I spend all day taking care of my tasks. At sunset, we were done; all provisions were onboard, the iceboxes and diesel tanks were full, and all leackeges fixed. Tired but happy, In the process I learned a lot how to prepare a boat for off shore passage.

When Captain Bob arrived he was happy with my work. He told me if he had an extra berth available, he gladly take me to Colombia.

“Room” with a view

Thankfully with the help of Maria and Arnold I was able to convince Captain Bob that my bert could be outside in the cockpit.

In the evening with the good word of Maria and Arnold he agreed in taking me as crew, sleeping outside and helping with night watches and everyting needed during the passage.