Yachts & Yachting magazine

Hat’s Off To Panama

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, swimming

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Yachts & Yachting magazine

Yachts & Yachting magazine3 min read
Three Of The Best
From 2004, Sweden Yachts 42, Freya is a superb example of these much-coveted performance cruising yachts. Her current owner has fitted a new Selden mast for in-mast reefing, accompanied with a brand-new mainsail by Sanders Sails. Below decks, her acc
Yachts & Yachting magazine7 min read
Ebb And Flow
It was a race like no other; six Ultim Class trimarans racing solo, non stop around the world in the ultimate high speed battle across a 22,000nm racecourse starting and finishing in Brest and taking on the mighty Southern Ocean. In the end, the fini
Yachts & Yachting magazine4 min read
Cobbs Quay
Poole Harbour, Dorset claims to be Europe’s largest natural harbour and is one of the most delightful, unspoilt havens in the country. As well as being home to an historic quayside, some of the most beautiful, clean beaches, and anchorages on the sou

Related