Taking a 28’ sailboat from the Atlantic to the Pacific takes some doing! Nica gives the first hand account transiting the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most iconic waterways.
Summary
Yes, transiting the Panama Canal in a small boat involves logistics, paperwork, and lots of money. But it’s also a unique visual and emotional experience.
Completing the arrangements for a transit as an individual is easier now than it was a few years ago. The canal authority, for example, now accepts electronic payments. And no longer sends an agent out to measure your boat.
Even so, we opted to hire an agent to make the process smoother for us. And we’re convinced it was a good choice. Just renting the necessary lines and fenders removed a great deal of stress from the process.
We did a two-day passage paired with another pleasure craft and a commercial vessel. And the experience, the history, and the lush views made it an event we’ll never forget.
Links:
The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough (Amazon)
Erick Galvez (agent)
Nica’s Video about the Transit
Prefer to Read (and see photos)? Check out Panama Canal: Logistics and Highlights.
Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself!
Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present.
Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig
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