--- title: "Our Panama Canal Transit: A Detailed Story with Lessons Learned" description: "Panama Canal transit guide for sailboats: agent fees, canal costs, fender and line requirements, lock procedures, and first-hand tips from a yacht skipper." image: https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/_featured-image_BLOG_TEMPLATE---panama.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/our-panama-canal-transit#main-content) [![Pegasus yachts logo](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/Group%2041-1.svg "Pegasus yachts logo")](https://pegasus-yachts.com/) - [YACHTS Show submenu for YACHTS](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts) - [Pegasus 50](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-50) - [Pegasus 67](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-67) - [THE REASON WHY](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why) - [NEWS](https://pegasus-yachts.com/news) - [ABOUT US](https://pegasus-yachts.com/about-us) - [CONTACT US](https://pegasus-yachts.com/contact-us) - [YACHTS Show submenu for YACHTS](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts) - [Pegasus 50](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-50) - [Pegasus 67](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-67) - [THE REASON WHY](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why) - [NEWS](https://pegasus-yachts.com/news) - [ABOUT US](https://pegasus-yachts.com/about-us) - [CONTACT US](https://pegasus-yachts.com/contact-us) ![Nicolas Jonville, Pegasus Yachts representative for USA & Canada](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/Blogs/Nicolass%20Jonville.jpg) Nicolas Jonville, Pegasus Yachts representative for USA & Canada Apr 30, 2026 ![Group 175](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/Group%20175.svg) # Our Panama Canal Transit: A Detailed Story with Lessons Learned Nicolas Jonville, our representative for Pegasus Yachts in the US and Canada, is sharing his experience transiting through the Panama Canal with his Pegasus 50: It’s hard to believe it’s been just over two years since *Sine Finis*, my Pegasus 50, first touched the water in Slovenia. Since then, she has carried us through the Med, across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean, up the U.S. East Coast, and even into a couple of boat shows: Newport and Annapolis. Our latest adventure began back on the East Coast, long before Panama was in sight. We sailed from Newport to Annapolis, continued south to Florida, and eventually reached St. Augustine. From there, we pushed on to Turks and Caicos, where we left the boat safely in a marina before returning to resume the voyage, and finally set our course toward the Panama Canal. When we returned to the boat in Turks and Caicos, our next major destination was the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. But before heading there, after sailing between Cuba and Haiti and passing Jamaica, we treated ourselves to a full week in the San Blas Islands. It was one of the most memorable stops of the entire journey: pristine anchorages, warm people, and a sense of untouched beauty that’s becoming increasingly rare. If you’re planning a canal transit, we strongly recommend adding San Blas to your itinerary. And doing this on board the Pegasus 50 was icing on the cake! By mid‑March, we were positioned north of the canal at Shelter Bay Marina and ready to begin the administrative dance every cruiser knows well. This included providing our agent with all required documentation. The day before the crossing, we also had to complete immigration exit procedures, as we were leaving Panama for Costa Rica immediately afterward. CTA text ![Screenshot 2026-04-29 at 11\_2](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011_2.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011_2.jpg) ![Screenshot 2026-04-30 at 12\_2](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012_2.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012_2.jpg) Crew **Working with an Agent and Why It Matters** I had crossed the canal once before, about ten years earlier, on my much smaller 37‑footer going from the Pacific to the Atlantic. That experience taught me one thing: logistics can be unpredictable. A last‑minute schedule change nearly derailed that earlier transit, so this time I decided not to take chances and hired a certified agent recommended by friends and the marina management. It was absolutely the right call. The agent handled the paperwork, follow‑ups, scheduling, and the endless small details that can overwhelm a crew preparing for a major passage. Even so, the schedule shifted twice; first by five days, then again from Thursday to Saturday due to advisor availability. Many advisors treat the role as a second job, and weekends are often when they are available for small yachts, unlike larger ships that receive priority and are assigned a canal pilot. **Costs:** For my P50, the total cost came to just under $4,000, including all canal fees, the agent’s administrative fee (about 10%), and line and fender rentals. This was paid directly to our agent. Only a handful of licensed agents handle canal transits and the associated entry/exit paperwork. **Recommendation:** Hire an agent and build flexibility into your schedule. Small yachts often experience last‑minute changes, and a good agent is invaluable. ![Screenshot 2026-04-29 at 11](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.jpg?width=1097&height=618&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.jpg) **Measurements, Gear, and What the Canal Expects** In the past, the Panama Canal Administration measured every boat in person. Today, the process is simpler: photos and declared dimensions. Our agent requested side, bow, and stern photos, along with overall length and width. The length must include anything that protrudes: bowsprits, davits, racks, even surfboards if mounted. Gear requirements were straightforward: six oversized round fenders (in addition to your own) and long, heavy‑duty lines. We rented the lines through our agent — about one inch in diameter and roughly 125 feet long, with a three‑foot knotted loop at the end. Boats must have at least one set of chocks and bitts or cleats at all four corners. Also required: a proper anchor ready to drop instantly, a horn, and proper navigation lights. At least four capable line handlers are required in addition to the captain. If you’re short on crew, your agent can arrange additional handlers. The canal advisor who joins you is *not* counted as a line handler. One important detail: barnacle growth is significant in the area. If your boat sits on standby for weeks, you may need cleaning — especially the propellers. We were warned not to dive in the marina due to crocodiles. We once headed to the beach for a swim and saw a few crocs nearby; that ended the plan quickly. **Recommendation:** Have plenty of fuel. Ensure your boat is fully transit‑ready. Remove side‑mounted gear to simplify measurements and reduce risk of damage. Requirements may change, so check the latest guidelines before your crossing. ![Panama Canal Types of Lockages](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.33.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.33.jpg) **Types of Lockages at Panama Canal** ![types-of-lockages-at-panama-canal](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.34.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.34.jpg) **Types of Lockages at Panama Canal** ![Screenshot 2026-04-30 at 122](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%20122.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%20122.jpg) **Detailed Skipper's Briefing** **Joining the Flotilla** Small yachts can transit the canal in several ways, depending on the schedule: 1. Centered in the lock with a large ship 2. Sidewall (requiring excellent fendering) 3. Alongside a tug or small ship 4. Nested with other yachts In our case, the Canal Administration scheduled 11 sailboats to cross together on a Saturday in a nested flotilla — nine catamarans and two monohulls, including our Pegasus 50. The evening before the transit, a canal advisor held a detailed briefing with a slideshow — something I hadn’t experienced during my previous crossing. An early morning start can allow a one‑day transit if you maintain 7.5–8.5 knots on the lake, but with our late‑afternoon slot, we would be spending the night on the lake. At 2:00 PM on the first day, we gathered in the staging area outside the marina. Within half an hour, a canal boat delivered an advisor to each yacht. **Recommendation:** Attend the advisor briefing if offered. It sets expectations and reduces stress. Boats must provide hot meals, snacks, and bottled water for their advisors. ![joining-the-flotilla-pegasus-yacht-panama-canal](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012.18.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012.18.jpg) **Pegasus 50 Nested With other Yachts in the Locks** ![Pegasus 50 Joinging the Flotilla at the Panama Canal](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.50.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.50.jpg)  **Pegasus 50 Nested With other Yachts in the Locks**  ![Pegasus 50 at the Panama Canal](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012.19.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012.19.jpg) Pegasus 50 Line Handling Towards its Position in the Lock **Nesting & Entering the Locks: Where Precision Matters** Once advisors were aboard, we motored toward the first lock. About 200 yards out, the flotilla rafted into nests of three boats tied side‑by‑side. Because we had eleven boats, one nest had only two. Inside the locks, canal workers threw “monkey fist” heaving lines to each side boat. We attached our long lines, which were taken ashore and secured. Within a minute, the water began flowing, and the current was immediately noticeable. Side boats manage both forward and aft lines — taking in slack when going up, easing out when going down. The first thirty seconds after the gates open are the most turbulent. We passed through six locks in total: three up to the lake and three down to the Pacific. **Recommendation:** Assign your strongest line handlers to the bow and stern. Timing and communication are critical. ![Screenshot 2026-04-29 at 11.54](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.54.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.54.jpg) **Panama Canal Boat Dropping off our Advisor** ![boat-nest-at-panama-canal](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012.20.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012.20.jpg) **Early Morning of Day 2:  Our Nest at the Mooring on the Lake**  ![nest-of-boats-at-panama-canal](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.47.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.47.jpg) **The Mooring Ball that our Nest is Tied To** **A Night on the Lake & Day Two** After the first three locks, we reached the lake around 7 PM and tied up to oversized mooring buoys. Larger yachts tied closest to the buoy; smaller ones rafted outside. Lights went out around 10 PM, and by 6:30 AM we were preparing for day two. Advisors arrived around 7 AM, and we motored across the lake to the Pacific‑side locks. This time, we entered “high” and descended as the water drained. **Recommendation:** Prepare for an early morning. Expect large ship traffic and significant wakes. ![Screenshot 2026-04-29 at 11.57](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.57.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.57.jpg) ![Screenshot 2026-04-29 at 11.48](https://26179618.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hub/26179618/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.48.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Screenshot%202026-04-29%20at%2011.48.jpg) **Traffic, Turbulence, and the Unexpected** Large ships passed close by, some using the newer locks. Locomotives — the famous “mules” — guided them. For us, the process was hands‑on: one person per line, walking along the lock walls as the boat moved forward. In narrow sections of Gatun Lake, we hugged the edges to let ships pass, sometimes within 40 yards. Their wakes demanded full attention. We also had an incident: our advisor slipped and twisted an ankle in the second‑to‑last lock. We iced and strapped it until a medical boat arrived. We also returned our rented gear at that point. **Recommendation:** Keep decks clear and non‑slip. Advisors and crew may need to move quickly  **Final Thoughts** We exited the canal after dark, passed an anchorage filled with large ships, and anchored near Isla Taboga. At 5 AM the next morning, we departed for Costa Rica. ![Sine Finis Now Sailing Towards Costa Rica](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012.26.jpg?width=1198&height=1498&name=Screenshot%202026-04-30%20at%2012.26.jpg)*Sine Finis Now Sailing in the Pacific Ocean Towards Costa Rica* The Panama Canal is a marvel — but it demands preparation, teamwork, and respect. One mistake doesn’t just affect your boat; it affects every boat in the nest. A challenging, rewarding, unforgettable experience — and one we’re grateful to have completed safely. Enjoy your sailing adventures, and best wishes for your canal crossing! Special thanks to my crew of friends who joined for the transit, including John and Diane, the owners of the P50#11 who flew from San Francisco. Nico For additional information about the transit, slides, and photos, feel free to reach out. If you are interested in how to prepare your yacht for ocean crossing, click [here.](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/preparing-my-boat-for-crossing-the-atlantic) **Nicolas Jonville** **[Nicolas@PegasusYachtsUSA.com](mailto:Nicolas@PegasusYachtsUSA.com)** ### PEGASUS 50 BASE PRICE EQUIPMENT & DELIVERY SERVICES Pegasus 50 is fully equipped, including all from navigation, communication and safety equipment to essentials for comfortable living on board. Explore the base price equipment. [EXPLORE ![Group 176@2x](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%20176@2x.png?width=32&height=28&name=Group%20176@2x.png) ![Group 176@2x](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%20176@2x.png?width=32&height=28&name=Group%20176@2x.png)](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-50/boat-equipment/) ### PEGASUS 67 BASE PRICE EQUIPMENT & DELIVERY SERVICES The Pegasus 67 has everything you need for bluewater sailing included in the standard specification and in the base price. Explore the equipment. [EXPLORE ![Group 176@2x](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%20176@2x.png?width=32&height=28&name=Group%20176@2x.png) ![Group 176@2x](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Group%20176@2x.png?width=32&height=28&name=Group%20176@2x.png)](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-67/boat-equipment)      ![Group 175](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/Group%20175.svg) ## YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN [![](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/_featured-image_BLOG_TEMPLATE---boat-within-the-square_cannes-1.jpg)](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/pegasus-yachts-at-cannes-yachting-festival-2026) News [Pegasus Yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival 2026 Pegasus Yachts will be exhibiting Pegasus 50 and sharing details on the Pegasus 67 at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/pegasus-yachts-at-cannes-yachting-festival-2026) Aug 06, 2026 [Read More](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/pegasus-yachts-at-cannes-yachting-festival-2026) [![](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/_featured-image_BLOG_TEMPLATE---boasdfsdsfsdt-within-the-square-1.jpg)](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/pegasus-yachts-at-hiswa-2026) News [Pegasus Yachts at HISWA 2026 Pegasus Yachts will be exhibiting Pegasus 50 and sharing details on the Pegasus 67 at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/pegasus-yachts-at-hiswa-2026) Aug 17, 2026 [Read More](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/pegasus-yachts-at-hiswa-2026) [![](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/SEAHORSE_BLOG_PEGASUS67_3-Feb-05-2026-01-33-36-3761-PM.jpg)](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/seahorse-covers-pegasus-67) News [Development of the new Pegasus 67, as Covered by Seahorse Magazine Pegasus Yachts is featured in Seahorse magazine, exploring the design philosophy, engineering and performance behind the new Pegasus 67 bluewater cruiser.](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/seahorse-covers-pegasus-67) Feb 05, 2026 [Read More](https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/seahorse-covers-pegasus-67) ![Group 41](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/Group%2041.svg) [CTA text](https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/Group%2041.svg) Subscribe and get fresh updates about new launches, events and all Pegasus stories to your inbox. **Shipyard Location** Pegasus Yachts d.o.o. Britof 23 SI-4000 Kranj Slovenia **Company Address** Pegasus Yachts d.o.o. Celovška 280 SI-1000 Ljubljana Slovenia   VAT: SI21964475 IBAN: SI56 1010 0005 7642 051 **Bluewater brilliance** Pegasus 50 [Gallery](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-50/gallery) [Technical data](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-50/technical-specification) [Boat layouts](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-50/boat-layout/) [Base price equipment](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-50/boat-equipment/) Pegasus 67 [Gallery](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-67/gallery) [Technical data](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-67/technical-specification) [Boat layouts](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-67/boat-layout) [Base price equipment](https://pegasus-yachts.com/yachts/pegasus-67/boat-equipment) - © 2025 PEGASUS YACHTS - [Privacy Policy](https://pegasus-yachts.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookie Policy](https://pegasus-yachts.com/privacy-policy#cookies) - Cookie Settings ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Nicolas Jonville, Pegasus Yachts representative for USA & Canada", "url" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/author/nicolas-jonville-pegasus-50-owner-and-pegasus-yachts-representative-for-usa-canada" }, "dateModified" : "2026-04-30T14:20:03.262Z", "datePublished" : "2026-04-30T12:44:37.000Z", "headline" : "Our Panama Canal Transit: A Detailed Story with Lessons Learned", "image" : [ "https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/_featured-image_BLOG_TEMPLATE---panama.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/the-reason-why/our-panama-canal-transit", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/Pegasus/Logo/Pegasus-Logo2024_RGB.png" }, "name" : "Pegasus Yachts d.o.o." } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : [ { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "SI", "addressLocality" : "Ljubljana", "name" : "Company Address", "postalCode" : "SI-1000", "streetAddress" : "Celovška 280" }, { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "SI", "addressLocality" : "Kranj", "name" : "Shipyard", "postalCode" : "SI-4000", "streetAddress" : "Britof 23" } ], "areaServed" : "Worldwide", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "sales", "email" : "team@pegasus-yachts.com", "telephone" : "+386 41 686 096", "url" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com" }, "description" : "European yacht builder specialising in bluewater sailing yachts designed for shorthanded offshore and ocean cruising. Models: Pegasus 50 (14.94 m) and Pegasus 67 (20.46 m). Fully equipped at the base price.", "email" : "team@pegasus-yachts.com", "founder" : [ { "@id" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/about-us/#person-marko-pas", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Marko Paš" }, { "@id" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/about-us/#person-miha-breskvar", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Miha Breskvar" } ], "knowsAbout" : [ "Bluewater sailing yachts", "Shorthanded offshore sailing", "Ocean cruising yacht design", "Carbon fibre yacht construction", "Vacuum infusion laminate technology", "Naval architecture", "Yacht commissioning and onboarding", "Electric yacht propulsion", "Offshore safety systems", "Bluewater yacht equipment" ], "knowsLanguage" : "en", "legalName" : "Pegasus Yachts d.o.o.", "logo" : { "@id" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/#logo", "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/hubfs/Group%2041-1.svg" }, "name" : "Pegasus Yachts", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/p/Pegasus-Yachts-100042021829068/", "https://www.instagram.com/pegasus.yachts/", "https://www.youtube.com/@PegasusYachts" ], "slogan" : "Bluewater Brilliance", "telephone" : "+386 41 686 096", "url" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com", "vatID" : "SI21964475" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/#website", "@type" : "WebSite", "inLanguage" : "en", "name" : "Pegasus Yachts", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization" }, "url" : "https://pegasus-yachts.com" } ```