Fort Lauderdale to Panama Non-Stop (Route Recommendations)

[InsuredApple]

We are looking into when we can head to Panama (given the COVID-19 situation). But, it looks like the Panamanian embassy in Washington is still processing pet import permits, so that's a good sign. Anyhow...

Does anyone have route recommendations, hints, and tips? Non-stop, Fort Lauderdale to Panama on a 60-foot sailing catamaran.

[belizesailor]

Where would you like to make landfall in Panama?

[SVHarmonie]

It depends on when you leave, and how much you can/want to work to windward.Is the non-stop criteria a requirement? or just an expression of wanting to be as expeditious as possible?

I think it is very likely that hurricane season will be on us in 6 weeks before you can leave with assurance you will be welcome in Panama.

If you read Cornell's book on World Cruising Routes you can save the trouble of people transcribing that advice for you and you can then ask more specific, targeted and sophisticated questions.

[Boatguy30]

Due to current uncertainty about length of border closures and the Panamanians lack of funding for long term food security, why now?

The government is said to be contemplating a 15 day full lock down. They will not be able to keep the peace in that scenario in most areas. More announcements being sent to businesses on Monday

[InsuredApple]

Originally Posted by SVHarmonie

It depends on when you leave, and how much you can/want to work to windward.Is the non-stop criteria a requirement? or just an expression of wanting to be as expeditious as possible?

I think it is very likely that hurricane season will be on us in 6 weeks before you can leave with assurance you will be welcome in Panama.

If you read Cornell's book on World Cruising Routes you can save the trouble of people transcribing that advice for you and you can then ask more specific, targeted and sophisticated questions.

Non-stop is a requirement, for a number of reasons. So, no stopping.

Thanks for your reply.

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Due to current uncertainty about length of border closures and the Panamanians lack of funding for long term food security, why now?

The government is said to be contemplating a 15 day full lock down. They will not be able to keep the peace in that scenario in most areas. More announcements being sent to businesses on Monday

But what abut the route? Any recommendations?

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Where would you like to make landfall in Panama?

Thinking Red Frog or ShelterBay -- unless you have different recommendations.

[Boatguy30]

The best route for a cat is via the Windward passage.
The best time of season is not this year.

[Snore]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

The best route for a cat is via the Windward passage.
The best time of season is not this year.

What he said. Use your diesel to get East and then on long tack to Panama. Naturally, this assumes you know how to squeeze miles out of the fuel that is aboard and monitor weather.

I picked up a boat in Linton Harbor in March. Given the current state of affairs-Would not consider heading that way.

[Island Time O25]

In February, few years back, we left Key West, did a 3 day stop at Hemingway marina in Havana and from there motorsailed along the north shore practically nonstop directly to Colon, turning SW from Cuba's west end tip. I was surprised how close to Cuban north shore we were sialing but the skipper said this helped keeping the eastward current's effect to a minimum.

We only did one day/night r&r stop over a reef inside its lagoon (forget which one and which country it formally belonged to) about 2 days sail from Colon. The motorsailing part along Cuban coast was a bit rough but not too bad. The boat was a well found early 80s 46 foot sloop with a crew of 3 (well coordinated as we sailed together on many prior occasions). The 4th crew, skipper's SO, was laid up with sickness (not just seasickness). But 3 was more than enough to keep watches, etc.

[InsuredApple]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

In February, few years back, we left Key West, did a 3 day stop at Hemingway marina in Havana and from there motorsailed along the north shore practically nonstop directly to Colon, turning SW from Cuba's west end tip. I was surprised how close to Cuban north shore we were sialing but the skipper said this helped keeping the eastward current's effect to a minimum.

We only did one day/night r&r stop over a reef inside its lagoon (forget which one and which country it formally belonged to) about 2 days sail from Colon. The motorsailing part along Cuban coast was a bit rough but not too bad. The boat was a well found early 80s 46 foot sloop with a crew of 3 (well coordinated as we sailed together on many prior occasions). The 4th crew, skipper's SO, was laid up with sickness (not just seasickness). But 3 was more than enough to keep watches, etc.

Good insight. Thanks for sharing that!!!

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by InsuredApple

....

Thinking Red Frog or ShelterBay -- unless you have different recommendations.

Big difference in terms of sailing conditions as you approach Panama. W Panama (Bocas) almost always has light and variable winds. E Panama gets seasonal Trade Winds. These winds fill in about January and lay down about May. The dividing line is roughly just W of Colon. In windy/dry season you can sail to Colon, but likey end the run motoring/motor sailing into Bocas. You can see that wind pattern very clearly right now (see attached).

Given that its April already, I seriously doubt you will make that window this year.

Rainy/Summer season has super low hurricane probability, but high lightening probability...all along the N coast of Panama.

Agree w above that Windward Passage route is likely your best option. Depending on conditions you could follow a route similar to the Pineapple Cup, except pass E of Jamaica and continue on to Colon.

https://www.pineapplecup.com/

Departure in Winter months opens the possibility of catching a cold front to make your easting. Catch a good one to depart Florida and get thru as much of the Bahamas as possible.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

In February, few years back, we left Key West, did a 3 day stop at Hemingway marina in Havana and from there motorsailed along the north shore practically nonstop directly to Colon, turning SW from Cuba's west end tip. I was surprised how close to Cuban north shore we were sialing but the skipper said this helped keeping the eastward current's effect to a minimum.

We only did one day/night r&r stop over a reef inside its lagoon (forget which one and which country it formally belonged to) about 2 days sail from Colon. The motorsailing part along Cuban coast was a bit rough but not too bad. The boat was a well found early 80s 46 foot sloop with a crew of 3 (well coordinated as we sailed together on many prior occasions). The 4th crew, skipper's SO, was laid up with sickness (not just seasickness). But 3 was more than enough to keep watches, etc.

On the western route that stop was likely somewhere on the Nicaraguan Banks. Vivarillos is a popular stop.

[AiniA]

The Windward Passage route works well but I thought I read something about the Bahamas not allowing transit through their territorial waters. If that is the case best to go west of Cuba and try to dodge currents as someone else mentioned. I would be inclined to stay put myself until after hurricane season.

[Boatguy30]

We sailed basically the entire way via the Bahamas from Florida. Left Florida in late January, arrived the day Panama "closed" the border. Been in Linton Bay the entire time have taken dinghy an car trip to Portobello.
Don't want to stay right here for rainy season so still possibly getting thru the canal still in next 2 weeks.

Otherwise, we are likely heading for FL then to Maine for the summer. All else fails boat is registered with Michigan address so will demand innocent passage thru the Erie canal. Spend the summer doing that.

Things are currently peaceful here, but as Snore suggests. Things could change quickly. Panama can't print money.

[rhubstuff]

"Otherwise, we are likely heading for FL then to Maine for the summer. All else fails boat is registered with Michigan address so will demand innocent passage thru the Erie canal. Spend the summer doing that."

I've been stuck in the Erie Canal (officially: New York State Barge Canal) before for flooding and for canal equipment failures. You can "demand innocent passage" all you want, but if the authorities say its closed, you're not going anywhere until they say its open. That said, its a wonderful trip that you will remember forever. I hope it works for you if you head to the Great Lakes.

[Boatguy30]

Roger, if it's closed it's closed. Seaway will be open, but not that motivated.