What does it take to transit the Panama Canal via 40′ sailboat?
drwer2 asked:
Either from the East or West, How much hassle and expense is it to transit the Panama canal by sailboat? What is the best time of year?
Tags: Best Time, Canal 40, Charity, Donate Boat, Hassle, Panama Canal, Sailboat, Time Of Year
July 9th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
40 feet and over…………………per foot 18.50
Best time of year? Anytime, it’s always warm there.
July 10th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
i dont know. arent they working on it now? widening it.
July 13th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
In addition to the fee, you will be assigned a pilot who will be in control of your boat for the 1-day passage. You will also need 4 long lines and 4 line handlers which can be hired locally, but cruisers often take turns helping each other.
The time of the year will be dependent on how it fits into the rest of your sailing plans. Circumnavigators often transit in Spring after spending a winter in the Caribbean and after the South Pacific Hurricane season is over. You’ll want to time it to work with the conditions of the oceans you are coming from and going to.
It’s a bit expensive, a bit of a hassle and takes a bit of time, but when put in the context of major passage making on a boat that size, there is no reason to let it be a barrier.
July 16th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
nope sorry
p.s. can u still teach me how to do the lift coefficient
July 17th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Most cruisers (sailboats) take two days in transit, anchoring at Lake Gatun overnight. the line handlers are required but you can use your own crew for the job.
Often you will end up tying outside another vessel, which makes the job a bit easier. The required Pilot will instruct you on what to do. EASY! Be careful ashore.