Column-Logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad
March 31, 2011
Translation for Zeilmeisje Laura Dekker on Facebook
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Each week in her column-logbook for the Algemeen Dagblad Laura Dekker will relate her journey around the world aboard her sailboat Guppy on her attempt to become the world's youngest circumnavigator.
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I am in Panama but it looks like Rotterdam


I am tired! The voyage from San Blas Islands to the Panama Canal is now a done thing. I departed Tuesday in the afternoon and I arrived this morning [actually it was yesterday that Laura arrived, Wednesday, March 30] and I am now in a harbour near Colón [ at the Shelter Bay Marina]. The sailing itself was great with strong winds coming at an angle from behind with only a little swell. Guppy almost found her way here on her own but I did not sleep during the crossing because there was too much cargo traffic. Even though I am used to cargo traffic from my trips to England [May 2009 and June 2010] I had to be on the look out just in case. Coming in was like arriving in Rotterdam, it almost looked the same with all the cargo ships but with mountains and palm trees all over. As soon as I was in I had to organize a few things. My boat has been measured and inspected and I completed dozens of forms writing down the usual information. So I am now on the waiting list. I already knew about this and I know that it will take a few days before I am alloted a line-up place. There are already a dozen yachts lying at harbour and about fifteen more at anchor off shore that stand before me. I didn't like it at all when a bunch of journalists got right in front of my nose when I docked in the harbour. I had to explain that I hadn't slept for 24 hours and still had many other things to do so I asked them to come back the day after. No way. They kept taking pictures and asking questions. One of them even asked me my name. After that I kept to myself aboard my boat boiling with rage for many hours. Really, is it that difficult to show a little respect? But now the anger is gone and I am looking forward to a good sleep. I will have dinner first and then I will go to bed. Until next week, live from Panama Canal then!

Regards, Laura