Cruising - Panama Canal
Hat’s Off To Panama The Panama Canal killed off the last of the windjammers. A century later it became the cruising sailor’s friend. Jenevora Swann takes us on a trip across the isthmus
A
man, a plan, a canal, Panama” is one of the most famous palindromes. A random fact, but one that struck a chord as the new Atlantic Bridge, that stretches across the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, came into view. We were about to transit the Panama Canal and start a new adventure in the Pacific Ocean. Instead of using an agent to organise our crossing, after considerable research, we decided to save money and do it ourselves. While it involved plenty of paperwork and phone calls, it was a surprisingly easy process. We completed the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) online forms and arranged a date for their admeasurer to inspect our boat and clear us for transit. To meet the admeasurer, we headed into Shelter Bay Marina, just a few miles from the gateway to the Panama Canal. Situated in a cove, away from the noise of tankers and cruise ships, facilities include 200 slips, a restaurant, laundry,
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Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting JULY JUNE2021 2021
swimming pool, gym, chandlers, sail loft and a free bus, which goes into Colon twice a day, ideal for shopping and provisioning needs. With Immigration and a Port Captain on site, it was also an easy place to check-in to Panama. After a short meeting on the boat with the admeasurer, filling in more paperwork, he declared us shipshape to transit. Once we’d paid the ACP
ABOVE Motoring through the canal with Hoodoo and Tourterelle behind us BELOW Two Drifters and Tourterelle relax in the Chagres Rive
our dues, we were given a choice of dates and had just over a week to get ourselves ready. Instead of staying in the marina for the whole time, we took the opportunity to explore the area, and sailed eight miles to the Chagres River, where there are several beautiful and peaceful anchorages; a must-do for anyone with a few days to spare before their transit.
