The Panama Canal was constructed in the beginning of the XX century, connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific Oceans. The first journey through was conducted in 1914. Although it is not an easy one, roughly 14,000 ships yearly transit through the canal today.
If you have chosen to transit your own private yacht through the Panama Canal, there are some important things not to be neglected before embarking on the journey. The most significant matters shall become time and expenses, as traveling through a system of locks might come out really time-consuming, expensive and stressful. Still, the transition might become a unique adventure and even the most epic story to be told for the rest of your life. Here are some details to think over, before you decide upon a journey.
In terms of time limits, the journey through Panama Canal solely might last up to eight to nine hours. An intricate system of locks should be passed on your way through, guiding your private sailboat from one ocean to another.
Prior to that, there is obligatory paperwork to be done, along with the vessel screening (to make sure your boat complies with size regulations etc.). That is why you have to consider in advance the time your boat will be docked at either the Pacific side marina or Caribbean side marina to await your turn before transit. Average waiting time varies, but be prepared that it normally takes several days at least.
As to the paperwork, The Panama Canal Authorities demand an advance notification of 96 hours to accommodate the arrival for vessels desiring to transit the Panama Canal. If you are planning on transiting the canal without hiring an agent, you will need to call to the Admeasurer’s office (English is spoken by all canal officials) to arrange a time and location for your boat’s measurement. You have to go through measurement and payment first, before entering the ACP system to get a transit date assigned, as it cannot be reserved in advance.
If dealing with documentation yourself, you need to fill in a form stating where you are and when you would like to get measured. Then, an official Ad measurer will come out, to measure your yacht according to canal regulations. Once the process is completed, you will receive a form to be proceeded to a bank for an official deposit. Once you are measured and your money is deposited, you will call the official schedulers office and make an appointment for transit. Again, be prepared that paperwork might take from three to seven days.
Money wise, the price to pay for closing the Canal naturally varies depending on the size of your yacht. For small vessels of up to 15 metres LOA, the price makes around $1,875; for larger ones of up to 30 metres LOA it makes around $ 4,275, etc. Furthermore, you should consider extra transit fees including long lines, car tires and making sure you have line handlers on board.
Finally, depending on your appointment time and your port of entry you can expect to depart in the afternoon, around 1pm or 2pm. You will be assigned an official advisor from the Panama Authority to join you on-board, provided everything is going as planned. Thus, you need to provide hot meal and drinking water for your advisor. He or she will serve as your sailing mentor, attempting to get you through the canal as quickly and efficiently as possible. Still, you might end up having to stay the night for some unforeseen reason. In that case, expect to pay up to $500 dollars extra to dock.
On your journey, You will go through a series of locks (12 in total) composing is a system of levels that lift a ship up 85 feet to the main elevation of the Panama Canal and back down. Each lock is around 300-metre long and can be filled and emptied in 10 minutes. Once you have transited through all of them, you can continue on to either the Pacific or Caribbean side ocean.
All in all, if you decide to cross a Chanel on a private vessel, below are some tips for a smoother canal transit (Yachting World):
• Start researching information in advance, at least 3 months ahead, for comfortable preparation.
•It is better to keep the yacht’s decks clear. Move or stow items to keep the area around bow and stern cleats as clear as possible.
• Ensure all fairleads are fair to start. Re-leading takes time you may not have if currents start spinning the raft.
• Stern lines took the most load. Consider running them to a cockpit winch with the stern cleat as a guide to provide better control and mechanical advantage.
• Prep line handlers well. Hold a crew meeting. Make sure they understand how critical it is to be alert: they should not expect to use a GoPro or post on social media during transit.
• Repeat instructions from the adviser. It confirms you have heard and are responding to the action called for. It may serve to clarify the adviser’s intentions when issuing rapid instructions.
• Engage your adviser. Talk through manoeuvres in advance, asking for clarification on next steps and understanding actions they will want you to take before they need to happen.
Codecasa Shipyards has announced that the new Codecasa 43 – Hull C124 has arrived in the Viareggio facility from the Codecasa production site in Navicelli Pisa, to be completed and to be ready for delivery to the owner scheduled in Summer 2024.The 43 meter C124 is a totally custom-made full displacement yacht with steel hull and aluminum superstructure. She is designed by Codecasa Shipyards in-house technical staff. She was sold in January 2023. Distinguished by its vertical bow, the C124 boasts expansive windows that flood the interior with abundant natural light. With internal volumes just below 500 gross register tons (GRT), its exterior design, marked by clean and elegant lines, ensures optimal comfort and privacy. Two spacious saloons and four large guest cabins, along with the owner's suite on the forward main deck, define the luxurious accommodations. Fully equipped service areas and inviting exterior spaces spanning the three decks enhance the overall experience.Propelled by two Caterpillar C32 "Acert" engines generating 1600 horsepower at 2300 rpm, the yacht achieves a top speed of 16 knots at light displacement. Its cruising range extends to 4,000 nautical miles at a comfortable 11 knots. Codecasa shipyard was established in Viareggio in 1825 by the shipwright Giovanni Battista Codecasa. Still run by the founder’s heirs, nowadays the Codecasa Shipyards Group is able to offer a wide range of Yachts, featured by top quality, technologic innovation, reliability, design and comfort. The shipyard is known all over the world as builders of steel and light alloy motoryachts, ranging from 30 to 70 meters LOA.Credits: Codecasa
November 29, 2023
The construction of the fourth 60-meter ketch sailing yacht by Perini Navi, a brand of The Italian Sea Group, is advancing rapidly. Works at the Marina di Carrara shipyard are in full swing, aiming to deliver a vessel that embodies both safety and efficiency for an unparalleled sailing experience.Developed in collaboration with Ron Holland, who oversaw the naval architecture, the 60-meter yacht caters to those seeking perpetual safety, comfort, and efficiency on the open seas. Crafted with an aluminum hull and superstructure, boasting a gross tonnage under 500 and a displacement of around 570 tons, the yacht integrates carbon fiber masts, booms, and rigging for optimal performance.The sailing system has undergone a redesign, emphasizing ease of handling, speed, and enhanced overall performance. Incorporating cutting-edge technology, a state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system ensures the yacht maintains its position and direction autonomously, eliminating the need for an anchor.Internally, the yacht boasts an innovative design by French designer Remy Tessier, blending modernity with tradition to create an elegant and comfortable ambiance. The owner's suite and the five guest cabins epitomize luxury and refinement in a tasteful and unostentatious manner.Sistership Perseus 3 With the optimization of facilities now completed, the focus shifts to the outfitting and masting operations. The launch and delivery of this remarkable yacht are slated for the end of 2024.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, expressed, "The lines of this 60-meter yacht are the result of constant efforts that allowed us to preserve the unmistakable Perini Navi style and, at the same time, create a more modern yacht."The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
November 29, 2023
Turkish shipyard VisionF Yachts has set new standards with the launch of their flagship model, the VisionF 82. Boasting a sleek all-aluminum construction, this 24-meter catamaran is turning heads in the maritime world.The shipyard, known for its forward-thinking designs, launched two units in October and November 2023, with two more under construction for delivery in March and May 2024.The VisionF 82, with its impressive 24-meter length and 9.7-meter width, signifies an evolution in design and material choice. The shipyard has pushed boundaries, creating a vessel with a high level of customization to cater to diverse markets.The catamaran's exterior and interior are the brainchild of VisionF Yachts' design studio. Retaining the shipyard's DNA, the VisionF 82 boasts an aggressive profile, extensive glazing, and a modernized overall appearance. With a modest draft of 0.8 meters, it is ideal for cruising shallow waters.The main deck, both inside and out, offers an expansive space with a maximum beam of 9.7 meters. The galley placement can be customized, either on the main deck adjacent to the airy salon or on the lower deck. The catamaran caters to various preferences, featuring a spacious office connected to the galley for those planning to operate the boat themselves.The interior decoration of the VisionF 82 reflects innovation, sleekness, and modernity, aligning with the brand's philosophy. Hosting three guest cabins on the lower deck, including a master suite in the starboard hull, the yacht can accommodate up to six guests. Additionally, two crew cabins provide space for up to four crew members.The catamaran's flush foredeck allows guests to socialize and immerse themselves in nature. Accessible directly from the main salon, a large sunbed in the bow is dedicated to sunbathing. The foredeck also serves as storage for a Williams jet tender and a SeaDoo water scooter.Fitted with twin Volvo Penta IPS 1050 drives, the VisionF 82 achieves a maximum speed of 16 knots with a range of 1,600 nautical miles. The shipyard offers an eco package, enabling the yacht's hotel load to operate for up to 20 hours without the generator, emphasizing VisionF Yachts' commitment to an ecologically responsible yachting experience.Ali Tanir, General Manager at VisionF Yachts, expressed delight in delivering the VisionF 82, highlighting its high level of customization and the smiles it brings to everyone involved. Tanir emphasized that the VisionF 82 stands out with its power, distinctive design, and features that don't compromise on luxury.VisionF Yachts in Turkey was set up by Coşkun Bayraktar in Istanbul in 2019, but despite the shipyard’s relative youth it is a brand that is going places in the power catamaran world. In November 2020, VisionF Yachts debuted its first vessel, the VisionF 80. Credits: VisionF Yachts
November 29, 2023
Rebel 50 G is the newest model in the Rebel line, a vessel that epitomizes the brand's ethos of dynamism, versatility, safety, and comfort. Breaking away from conventions without flamboyance, this model, with its unique Stingray color palette, pays homage to the brand's elegant and iridescent legacy.Designed by Christian Grande, the Rebel 50 G exhibits a distinctive profile characterized by balance, continuity, and an unconventional design. Positioned between classic ribs and open boats, its tapered foam profiles ensure safe mooring while adding a touch of sportiness.The standout feature of the 50 G is its large window, seamlessly integrated to create an impression of floating. The glass, forming a closed and protected space, sets it apart from other models. The G, with its powerful and collected shape, offers the flexibility to create a closed space in total continuity with the external environment. The addition of a sliding rear window allows for an open boat experience with the advantages of a cruiser, ensuring comfort on the water and protection during adverse weather conditions.The main deck is a luminous expanse, flooded with natural light, offering a breathtaking panoramic view. This expansive living space integrates the wheelhouse, an extractable television, a refrigerator, and a kitchen cabinet with an ice maker. The area seamlessly connects with the stern, forming a unified environment. An extendible electric roller blind and carbon poles provide options for shading and shelter.The external spaces of the Rebel 50 G cater to experienced boat owners, offering expansive mooring surfaces at the stern and bow. The walkaround configuration ensures safety, while the large stern and bow sun decks enhance the overall experience. The bow, with a corner chaise lounge, is deemed the most romantic area, inviting enthusiasts to view motoring as a relaxed flight over water. The optional roof extends its suitability to various climates beyond the Mediterranean.The sporty stern features an up&down platform for hauling a 2.50-meter tender. Configurable in four ways – Garage Sunpad, Forward Lounge, Stern Lounge, and Free Standing – it provides diverse options for relaxation, dining, and a versatile on-water experience.The interiors, adorned with Ceppo di Gre' marble, offer an unostentatious elegance. Below deck, two layouts provide ample storage, voluminous areas, and privacy. The rooms, exceeding two meters in height, ensure maximum comfort, with bathrooms featuring dimensions typically found on larger boats. Four variants – Tonic White, Daikiri Touch, Spicy Honey, and Velvet Mist – add a personalized touch.Powered by a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 950 HP engines, the Rebel 50 G achieves a maximum speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 28, setting a new standard in innovation, elegance, and performance in the world of superyachts.Sacs Tecnorib Spa was established in 2021 from the union between TecnoRib srl and Sacs srl. Credits: Sacs Tecnorib Spa
November 28, 2023
ISA Yachts has shared the latest developments on Project Future, the ISA GT 80M. Currently being crafted at the Palumbo Superyachts shipyard in Ancona, the steel hull is rapidly nearing completion. Having been sold in July this year, the project is on track for delivery in 2027.Envisioned by Enrico Gobbi of Team for Design, the exterior lines of ISA GT 80M exemplify a sporty coupé with fluid contours, erasing the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The interior design, a testament to Gobbi's creative prowess, and naval architecture handled by Palumbo Superyachts' in-house team promise a seamless and sophisticated yacht experience.The hull, adorned in steel gray with charcoal details, juxtaposed with minimal windows, imparts a slender and modern appearance. The skylounge, housing the wheelhouse, cleverly integrates with the dynamic ISA arch, emphasizing continuity across all decks.The main deck forward features an infinity pool seamlessly connected to the owner's cabin through an illuminated path, offering a visually stunning experience. The owner's cabin, a transparent haven with floor-to-ceiling windows, boasts unobtrusive uprights and exquisite outdoor furnishings marked by organic shapes and modern curves, accentuated with warm wood.The upper deck hosts a well-equipped gym, complementing the wheelhouse and captain's cabin. On the main deck, ISA GT 80 features five double cabins, including a VIP with a lounge. The upper deck forward accommodates the owner's cabin, complete with two bathrooms, a vanity area, two wardrobes, and an office. An additional VIP cabin with twin beds is situated on the lower deck.The lower deck encompasses a crew area with ten cabins, providing accommodation for up to 18 crew members. ISA GT 80M promises a harmonious blend of elegance, functionality, and cutting-edge design, setting new standards in the world of superyachts.Palumbo Superyachts began to take root in 2008, when the Columbus Yachts brand was established, and in 2011 launched its first 54 meter superyacht, emblematically christened “Prima” (“the First”). Currently, Palumbo Superyachts comprises a representative office in Monaco and a logistics network of five shipyards in the Mediterranean (Ancona, Malta, Marseille, Naples, and Savona), and also operates the following brands: ISA Yachts, Extra Yachts, Columbus Yachts, Mondomarine and Palumbo SY Refit.Credits: ISA Yachts
November 28, 2023