Sailing Catalpavideo
We Found Our Own Private Island in Panama Episode 485
April 5, 2026 · 19 min · 11K 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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