A passage through the Panama Canal

In 2026/27, we will offer an extensive and exciting sailing program with our sailing yacht on the Baltic Sea and North Sea, the North Atlantic, the Caribbean, as well as the South and North Pacific.

5 continents and 3 oceans stand for intense sailing and nature experiences as well as exciting and relaxing moments on and offshore.

Our journey takes us along the European North Sea coast into the Atlantic Ocean. We visit the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. With a stop in the African Cape Verde Islands, we cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean.

We leave the Atlantic via the Panama Canal and continue our journey across the South and North Pacific. We visit the Marquesas Islands, Canada, Mexico, and Central America, including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica...
Location:
North Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Colon, Balboa

Category:
Canal cruise

Panama Canal / Colon - Balboa
March 28, 2027, 5:00 PM - April 3, 2027, 10:00 AM

We're sailing a 2017 Bavaria C51. This yacht is exceptional, 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.

Plan

Panama Shelter Bay - Panama Canal - Pacific Coast of Panama to Balboa Yacht Club

Our adventure begins at Shelter Bay Marina, an ideal starting point for sailors planning to transit the famous Panama Canal. Located at the western end of the canal, on the Caribbean coast, the marina offers excellent facilities to prepare us perfectly for our journey.

The first day is dedicated to thorough preparation: We meet for a briefing with our experienced Panama Canal agent, who provides us with all the necessary information for the transit. Passing through the canal requires careful planning and organization, as we must anticipate specific procedures and requirements. Our agent takes care of all the administrative details – from booking the locks to coordinating with the canal pilots – to ensure a smooth transition between the oceans.

On the second day, we set course for the Panama Canal – one of the world's greatest feats of engineering. We pass through the Gatun Locks, which raise us more than 26 meters, and begin our crossing of the vast Gatun Lake. Along the way, we gain fascinating insights into the history of the canal and can enjoy the breathtaking scenery that unfolds around us.

On the third day, we reach the Culebra Cut, the narrowest and steepest section of the canal. Here, the scenery becomes particularly spectacular as we wind our way through the rock-framed canal, taking in the dramatic views. At the end of the Culebra Cut, we face the passage through the Miraflores Locks, where we finally enter the Pacific Ocean – an unforgettable moment that is among the highlights for every sailor.

At the canal entrance, we reach our destination, the Balboa Yacht Club. The club is picturesquely situated near the famous Panama Canal and is the ideal place to end our sailing trip in a relaxed atmosphere. Here we can anchor and moor to a buoy, with views of the bustling city skyline and the surrounding mountains.

Read more

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.

Next dates

Report this ad

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 · 8 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!

Read more
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

Read more
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!

Read more
Pedro

October of 2024

Fionula and Andreas, our sailing trip was characterized by very little wind, something I've never experienced before in the Channel Islands. Nevertheless, it was a challenging cruising area. You masterfully navigated our voyage; it was a fantastic experience. Andreas, you handle your ship impeccably; I don't think it could be better. And you have such great support from Fionula. Thank you both, and I wish you all the best and always a hand's breadth of water under your keel.

Read more
Heike

March of 2024

Well, what can I say? I booked a sailing trip from Dakar to Mindelo. And it turned out to be a wonderful journey. A fantastic, comfortable ship, professional ship and crew management by Andreas and Fionula. We tackled adventures, enjoyed some relaxing moments, and laughed a lot together. Many, many thanks to everyone involved! Simply wonderful!

Read more
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.

Read more