pabloberrusailsvideo

Solo Round-the-World Sailing #06 - Panama Canal

11 April 2025 · 39 min · 25K views · Shelter Bay Marina, Colón

What this video covers

Pablo Berrus and his crew transit the Panama Canal aboard the sailboat *Sofía Sexto* after preparing at Shelter Bay Marina.0:30 The crew cleans the deck, services the anchor and Genoa furler, and stocks fuel and supplies to meet the canal's requirement of five personnel for small-vessel transits.4:41 During the passage through Gatún Lake and the locks, a canal transit advisor explains the three standard methods for small vessels: center-chambering, sidewall mooring, or rafting alongside another vessel.21:17 The advisor notes that the canal manages 40 to 45 transits daily, with costs for small vessels ranging from $2,600 to $5,000 depending on size.24:55 Common operational risks include mechanical engine failure, strong currents within the locks, and improper line handling.25:34 Following the transit, the vessel anchors near Flamenco Marina to disembark crew members before the owner prepares for a solo 35- to 45-day passage across the Pacific to the Marquesas.36:21

Watch on YouTube

More from pabloberrusails

Solo sailing around the world: How do I stay connected while traveling?Aug 2026Solo sailing around the world #20 - Change of plans: heading to LangkawiAug 2026Solo circumnavigation #19 - Sailing Bali / Thailand: Trouble in MalaysiaJul 2026Solo Sailing Around the World #18 - Sailing Bali / Thailand: Arrival in MalaysiaJun 2026

From pabloberrusails — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue