Sailing Catalpavideo

We Found Our Own Private Island in Panama Episode 485

5 April 2026 · 19 min · 10K views · Boca Chica, Panama

Couple by beach fire at sunset, Panama coast

What this video covers

Lee and Sarah, sailing the 40-foot catamaran *Catalpa*, transit the Panamanian coast from Boca Chica toward Santa Catalina while preparing for a Pacific Ocean crossing.5:55 After provisioning in David, the crew navigates the Seca Islands and Coiba National Park, utilizing a clean hull—scrubbed by hand due to a broken hookah system—to maintain speeds of 5 to 6 knots in light winds.0:53 The crew avoids anchoring at Coiba Island itself to bypass potential national park fees, opting instead for a brief overnight stop at a nearby island within the park boundaries.12:57 During the passage, the boat encounters variable, swirling winds ranging from 0 to 20 knots, eventually settling into a steady 15-knot breeze that allows for effective use of the staysail and retractable centerboard.18:29 The transit concludes with an anchorage off Santa Catalina, positioned near a known surf break.19:18 The crew maintains a 10-week timeline for final vessel preparations before departing for the Pacific.13:49

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