Sailing Big Lost · video

What this video covers

Anchored on the Pacific side of Panama, the crew of Big Lost is ready to depart for the Galapagos and French Polynesia but is waiting on extended-stay visas for French Polynesia — the consulate quoted a four-week processing time, with approval expected by the end of the week.▶ 10:34 The delay is deliberate: the family chose to apply for visas beyond the standard 90-day limit so they can stay in French Polynesia without chasing weather windows or cutting anchorages short.▶ 9:12 Departure paperwork adds its own checklist — two to three days' notice to their Panama agent, plus a host certification and fumigation certificate required for Galapagos biosecurity.▶ 11:06 While waiting, the crew used the time productively: son Finn learned to go up the mast to loop the mainsail track, friends Michael and Sue from sister ship Mira walked the crew through rigging the storm sail step by step, and the group practiced rope splicing and soft-shackle tying using the free app Rope Splicing by Premium Ropes.▶ 4:11 Big Lost is also carrying electronic charts to SB Kaikela, which is waiting in the Galapagos after picking up the wrong Pacific charts.▶ 10:03 The rolling anchorage, a scum line building on the hull, and a month-long Pacific passage ahead are all weighing on the crew's patience.▶ 0:03

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