Vancouver to Panama

[Pacific]

Panama.

[John A]

Pacific,
The tidal range on the Pacific side of Panama has a range of over 15', so marinas as we know them, do not exist.

In 2001, when I was there, there were two.
Marina Flamenco, on the south side of the breakwater for the entrance to the canal. Note that the canal is on the north side, meaning the south side is exposed to the Pacific swell.
Anador Marina is the mooring field that used to be the Balboa Yacht Club. Located just to the West of the entrance to the canal.
Two locks up within the Miraflores Lake next to the Padro Miguel Lock was a funky little marina, Pedro Miguel Boat Club, where I stayed for over three months. I believe it is now closed.
Hope that helps.

[sarafina]

I think you definitely want to take the southern trip, which seems to be considered by most as one of the sweet spots to sail... cause you sure as shooting will not be loving the trip north if you come back! If it's a choice between shipping south and sailing north or sailing south and shipping north... sail south ; -)

[Pacific]

Thanks for the advice Sarafina!
John

[Capt Phil]

Good advice, Sarafina... the slog north on the coast is uncomfortable, wet and can be dangerous particularly south of Acapalco, MX. Once that far north, you can usual find a marina or navigable bay to stop and rest before doing the 'Bash' from Cabo to San Diego. The sail south is a walk in the park as long as you avoid Nov-May south of San Diego... can get a little breezy! Heading south with the Ha-Ha around Nov 1 from SD is fun if you enjoy a lot of company and constant radio chatter in English. Returning from Panama you might consider heading considerably offshore depending on the trades on making your northing out about 1000 km. Can be a fair sail around the Pacific high but it will drop you right back off Vancouver Island several months later. Travel safe... Capt Phil (didn't know Balboa Yacht Club was no more!)