World ARC 2023-2024 Panama round-up
by World Cruising Club 8 Feb 21:12 UTC
The new month brings new beginnings for the World ARC 2023-24 fleet. With the Panama Canal negotiated and conquered, the fleet find themselves in the pearly waters of the Pacific Ocean. With a significant tidal range of up to 16 feet, skippers are remembering how to anchor in ebbing and flowing depths which many haven't experienced since departing Europe several months ago.
Having been separated by land and locks for a few short days, the World ARC 2023 Circumnavigation fleet of twenty-six are together again. At the first Rally operations brief in Saint Lucia the fleet were made aware of two potential scenarios for transiting the canal. Scenario 1 would have had all boats enter the locks in a nest if three behind a container ship; however, to the fleet and Rally Control's great delight, the fleet were notified in Columbia that we were able to transit the canal with Scenario 2. This allowed the fleet to cross the canal with two special lockage's, and one nest of two that shared with a cargo ship.
Each special lockage meant four nests of three boats entered the locks without sharing with larger vessels. It is an enormous privilege for the Canal authorities to have permitted this; it provided a truly unique experience for all of those involved. Due to canal rules that vessels over 65ft must transit with a Pilot on board, two of the WARC23 fleet transited with the conventional approach of following a larger cargo ship in and out. Having taken lots of photos and videos, the fleet completed their journey by motoring under the Bridge of the Americas to make their way into the marina.
The fleets stop in La Playita marina meant a quick turnaround to provision, explore Panama City and welcome new crew. During this time WCC organised an optional half day tour. Steeped in history both past and present, there is a great deal of momentary moments to absorb and contemplate. Panama has certainly had its ups and downs, some very recent, which makes for an interesting place to explore. Who knew many of the street art has significant meaning and tells stories of conflict and passion for the people of Panama. The tour was taken by Clemente who has worked with the World ARC for many years. Living through the more recent historical moments he is full of knowledge and has a passion for sharing and recounting what and how Panama has become the City you see today.
The boats are now ladened up with food and beverages and have begun to file into Cacique Beach in the Las Perlas islands for the final part of the programme for Panama. Tonight the fleet will enjoy a fun BBQ on the beach; prize-giving; and skippers brief for entry to Galápagos.
Panama has treated the fleet so generously; our affiliated agents; marina staff; tour guides and everyone else the fleet have met on route have been as hospitable as ever - making all ventures an enormous success.
The fleet will cross the start line to the Galapagos at 1100hrs on Wednesday - the adventure of the Caribbean Sea is complete, the adventure of the Pacific Ocean is about to begin!