Panama & San Blas: Sailing between island paradises

Location:
North Atlantic, Panama, San Blas

Category:
coastal sailing / offshore voyage approx. 500 nm

Panama - San Blas - Panama / Caribbean
March 7, 2027, 5:00 PM - March 20, 2027, 10:00 AM

We sail on a Bavaria C51 from 2017. The yacht is a special vessel and is designed without restrictions for offshore use and has been approved by the employers' liability insurance association.

She handles even high waves with ease and impresses with her excellent seakeeping. Comfort and dynamism have been combined without compromise, so that a pleasant atmosphere on board and an intense sailing experience await us.

Plan

Our sailing trip begins on Panama's Caribbean coast in the vibrant metropolis of Panama City (Shelter Bay Marina). Even here, we feel the sense of adventure: skyscrapers meet colonial architecture, modern lifestyles blend with tropical flair. After an initial introduction and stocking up on supplies, we set sail.
We are sailing eastward along the tropical coast of Panama. The first small islands appear on the horizon – we have arrived in the realm of Guna Yala, the autonomous territory of the San Blas Islands.

This region is a true sailing paradise: Over 360 small, palm-fringed islands are scattered across turquoise waters. Many are uninhabited, some home to small Guna families who maintain their traditional way of life. We anchor off Cayos Holandeses, Green Island, or Coco Bandero Cays, swim, snorkel among coral reefs, and enjoy fresh fish and lobster – straight from the Guna's dugout canoe.

We spend our days relaxing on island hopping, searching for secluded beaches, and encountering the fascinating Guna culture. Those who wish can take a dinghy trip through the mangroves or enjoy the sunset around a campfire on the beach.

After a week in the Caribbean island paradise, we set course back towards the mainland. The return journey takes us once again along the coast of Panama.
After a few days of island fun, we make the final move:
40-60 nautical miles along the coast to Shelter Bay.
Finally, we enjoy Shelter Bay Marina - with jungle, monkeys, parrots & a family atmosphere.

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Other information

The skipper for this activity speaks german. To participate you must speak one of the languages spoken on board.

The skipper for this activity speaks German. For pleasant communication on board, you should speak one of these languages.

Final cleaning:
The final cleaning of the yacht is usually carried out by the crew at the end of the trip. To allow you to pack in peace and leave the boat without the hassle of cleaning, I will take care of the final cleaning for you (not valid for trips in the Azores).
This means a relaxed arrival and a pleasant departure for you.

One yacht, one skipper:
I'm your skipper! You can contact me and get to know me during your trip preparations. If you're unsure about anything or have any questions, please give me a call. I'm happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. I know the yacht inside and out and offer professional, safe, and personalized skippering tailored to your specific needs.

Shopping lists/recipes:
Upon request, I will compile recipes and a corresponding shopping list tailored to the number of participants and your culinary preferences. A holiday feeling from the very first minute.

Background/Additional Information:
You'd like to take a shore excursion, or perhaps you haven't yet had time to find out what awaits you at our destination port. You'll receive this information on board, and if any questions remain unanswered, I'm happy to assist with your research.

Onboard cash:
At the start of the trip, each participant contributes approximately €100 to the ship's kitty. This covers provisions including drinks, fuel, harbor fees, gas, and diesel fuel consumed. (The skipper is exempt.)

When the initial funds run low, the crew each contribute an equal amount. At the end of the trip, any remaining funds in the ship's kitty are divided among the participants.

The required amount varies depending on the cost of food in the region visited and the desired level of meals. Typically, the cost of the onboard kitty ranges from €80 to €150 per person per week.

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Boat details

We're sailing a 2017 Bavaria C51. It's a special boat, designed and certified for offshore sailing. It handles even high waves with ease and boasts excellent seakeeping. Comfort and performance have been seamlessly combined, promising a pleasant time together on board and an exhilarating sailing experience.

Welcome on board!

Further equipment details and modifications:

AIS (Active)
radar
Dinghy (Honwave) with 2.3 hp outboard motor
Dinghy (Takacat) with 6 hp outboard motor
new jib and mainsail
Storm jib
Blister
BWR, Blue Water Runner 160m2 (2025)
Code 0 53% 115m2 (2026)
second set of sails
Downwind Equipment
Selden hydraulic kicker for large trees (2026)
Steering wheels reupholstered (2026)
Engine and gearbox new (2026)
new mainsheet design (easy handling)
New upholstery (2026)
new antifouling (2026)
new gas stove (2023)
Winches & rope clutches completely overhauled
two additional winches in the cockpit (2025)
Additional winch on the mast (2026)
Bow thruster
Autopilot
WAL Pale to avoid orca attacks
Leech sails in the bunks
Navtex
Iridium satellite radio
Starlink high-speed communication
Garmin tracking
VHF with DSC & handheld radio
Rocna anchor 33 kg with 100 meter chain
Anchor buoy with PV & flash
Anchor shock absorber
electric anchor winch
Submersible pump 18,000 l/h
latest electronics / navigation
Onboard radio
open ocean rig
New teak in the cockpit (2026)
5 cabins
3 bathrooms/toilets
Life jackets from Crewsaver & salvage equipment & AIS (2026)
Olas POB Sender
Diesel heater 2x
hot water boiler
Power generators (1KW & 2KW)
2 x wind generator Superwind 700 W (2026)
VA equipment carrier (2026)
Davids (2026)
Onboard crane (2026)
PV system 360 Wp
new on-board batteries (2026)
3 kW pure sine wave inverter
Power station 3 KW with PV modules 200 WP
Seawater desalination plant
Seacocks replaced with plastic valves (2026)
CO2 detector
Smoke detector
Alarm system
LED lighting concept
Bimini
Cushions in the cockpit
Extensive equipment for long-distance travel
Bose Bluetooth sound system expanded (2026)
portafilter coffee machine
induction hob
microwave
Kettle, toaster, smoothie maker, Lotus Grill...etc.
2 x Refrigerator (Top & Frontloader)
Sailing & Art (Art Prints on Board)
Acceptance by the employers' liability insurance association for worldwide travel (2026)

Specifications

Model: Bavaria Yachts - 51 C
Daytime capacity: 8 spots
Length: 15.44 m
Cabins: 5
Year: 2017
Bathrooms: 2

Features

GPS
Radar
Life jackets
VHF
Sounding line
Electric windlass
Autopilot
Wind equipment
EPIRB
Generator
Tender
Bow thruster
Shower
Bimini
HI-FI equipment
Wifi

5 · 6 reviews

Birgit

August of 2026

Our sailing trip with Andreas was simply fantastic! The Azores are a challenging yet breathtakingly beautiful sailing area. The absolute highlight was our stop on the stunning island of Flores. This meant we'd now sailed to the last two Azorean islands – they'd been on our bucket list for ages. Andreas is an experienced skipper, and we felt completely safe with him in the Atlantic at all times. The wildlife also left us speechless: we saw whales, dolphins, and turtles up close during the trip. An unforgettable adventure that I can wholeheartedly recommend! Thank you so much, Andreas, for another wonderful sailing trip. See you soon!

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Jimmy

February of 2026

Dear Andreas! Although some time has passed: Dakar – Banjul – Gambia River – & Back in February 2024. That was the most amazing trip since Fitzcarraldo! Even if it was on a different continent. Our very first sailing trip together on the L... to the West African coast was a real adventure. Sailing off the coast demands the attention of the entire crew (trawlers, freighters, nets, unlit fishing boats). Venturing deeper and deeper into the Gambia River was simply a fantastic experience. The biggest dolphins ever, the banks completely covered in mangroves, countless birds, monkeys, live crocodiles you could touch, and all that at over 30°C in February – it was THE sailing and exploration highlight. Also unforgettable was anchoring in the bay of Hann (Dakar) with the muezzin and fishermen's songs, clearing in and out of customs in Dakar – we were in another world. Thank you so much for this incredible trip to West Africa! You are the greatest

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Susanne

July of 2025

Two weeks in the Azores in June, breathtaking scenery, experiencing the famous four seasons every day, dolphins and whales – simply fantastic! But the boat and skipper were at least as impressive. The SY L... is superbly equipped in terms of sailing and comfort; everything is well thought out and optimized. The skipper knows his boat inside and out. Andreas is prepared for every situation, even an all-female crew with limited to no sailing experience. His calm demeanor, his unwavering friendliness, and his cheerful disposition significantly influence the atmosphere on board. This makes you want to sail the seas again aboard the Lotte. Many thanks, Andreas!

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Heike

March of 2024

Well, what can I say? I had booked a sailing trip from Dakar to Mindelo. And it turned out to be a wonderful journey.
A fantastic, comfortable ship, professional (and appropriate) ship and crew management by Andreas and Fionula. Adventures were mastered, coziness was enjoyed, and there was lots of laughter together.
Many, many thanks to everyone involved!
Absolutely wonderful!

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Andy

September of 2023

I had the pleasure of accompanying Andreas and Lotte on their sailing trip from Bodø to Bergen. Andreas impresses with both his extensive expertise and his personality. He takes time for his fellow sailors, explains many things, and always makes sure everyone has fun. I fondly remember the evenings we spent entertaining the harbors with our German pop karaoke parties. Longer sailing stretches are no problem thanks to his knowledge and tireless, friendly presence. He gives everyone their freedom or integrates them into the daily routine according to their wishes. Sailing on the Lotte is a lovingly maintained yacht that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of equipment. The safety equipment is very comprehensive and state-of-the-art, and the rest of the technology is impeccably maintained and in perfect working order. The other amenities on board are very extensive, especially the galley, which is more than well-equipped with a microwave, espresso machine, and induction cooktop. Even small touches like a fully charged power bank in every cabin are thoughtfully included. All of this shows that here is someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about what they do, who makes the trip an unforgettable experience and who cares deeply about both the safety and the fun of the fellow sailors.

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Michael

July of 2023

Fantastic sailing trip with Andreas (Lofoten Intensive). A great skipper who sails with passion and knows how to create a warm, friendly crew. The yacht is in excellent condition and a very pleasant and comfortable vessel. A thoroughly enjoyable two weeks, we'd love to do it again!

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