Sailing through the Panama Canal

An idea conceived by a German, Alexander von Humboldt, the Panama Canal was started by the French, and completed by the Americans. This 77km ribbon of freshwater, joining the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, is comparable in size to ten Channel Tunnels.

A major problem associated with the canal’s construction was tropical disease. Of the 70,000 thousand workers who laboured on the project, more than 5,000 died. Their legacy is the triumph of engineering that is the Panama Canal today. World trade which passes through the Panama Canal is saved the long trip around the coast of South America.  Sailing through the Panama Canal is not to be missed.

Sailing through the Panama Canal is one of the experiences of a lifetime. It is quite expensive to take a boat through, it all depends on the speed it will do. Your boat must be capable of at least 4 knots, and it will cost you more if it is not capable of 8 knots. There are also fees for mooring ropes, and for your Canal Advisor, a pilot who will ensure the boat’s safety in the three huge locks and navigate your voyage. Sailing through the Panama Canal is not to be undertaken lightly; if your boat’s motor is not up to the job, you have to pay for a tow from a tug boat, as it is crucial that the world’s shipping is not disrupted by a small boat getting in the way. Entry may be refused to a boat that is deemed un-seaworthy, so get your outboard serviced, stock up with some tasty food and drink for the pilot, and make sure your galley and heads are clean!

From the Atlantic side, your sailboat will enter the Panama Canal via the Gatun lock, which is fed by a huge, man-made, freshwater lake, Lake Gatun. The Panama Canal is above sea level, and the freshwater ensures that the ships entering the canal are easily raised to the required height. The journey will take you about 30 hours; a good deal of time will be spent waiting for the bigger ships to get into their positions.

Sailing through the Panama Canal is sure to be one of the most memorable passages you ever make, and another item from your bucket list ticked off!

Photo Credit: dsasso via Compfight cc

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