The Panama Canal was constructed in the beginning of the XX century, connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific Oceans. The first journey through was conducted in 1914. Although it is not an easy one, roughly 14,000 ships yearly transit through the canal today.
If you have chosen to transit your own private yacht through the Panama Canal, there are some important things not to be neglected before embarking on the journey. The most significant matters shall become time and expenses, as traveling through a system of locks might come out really time-consuming, expensive and stressful. Still, the transition might become a unique adventure and even the most epic story to be told for the rest of your life. Here are some details to think over, before you decide upon a journey.
In terms of time limits, the journey through Panama Canal solely might last up to eight to nine hours. An intricate system of locks should be passed on your way through, guiding your private sailboat from one ocean to another.
Prior to that, there is obligatory paperwork to be done, along with the vessel screening (to make sure your boat complies with size regulations etc.). That is why you have to consider in advance the time your boat will be docked at either the Pacific side marina or Caribbean side marina to await your turn before transit. Average waiting time varies, but be prepared that it normally takes several days at least.
As to the paperwork, The Panama Canal Authorities demand an advance notification of 96 hours to accommodate the arrival for vessels desiring to transit the Panama Canal. If you are planning on transiting the canal without hiring an agent, you will need to call to the Admeasurer’s office (English is spoken by all canal officials) to arrange a time and location for your boat’s measurement. You have to go through measurement and payment first, before entering the ACP system to get a transit date assigned, as it cannot be reserved in advance.
If dealing with documentation yourself, you need to fill in a form stating where you are and when you would like to get measured. Then, an official Ad measurer will come out, to measure your yacht according to canal regulations. Once the process is completed, you will receive a form to be proceeded to a bank for an official deposit. Once you are measured and your money is deposited, you will call the official schedulers office and make an appointment for transit. Again, be prepared that paperwork might take from three to seven days.
Money wise, the price to pay for closing the Canal naturally varies depending on the size of your yacht. For small vessels of up to 15 metres LOA, the price makes around $1,875; for larger ones of up to 30 metres LOA it makes around $ 4,275, etc. Furthermore, you should consider extra transit fees including long lines, car tires and making sure you have line handlers on board.
Finally, depending on your appointment time and your port of entry you can expect to depart in the afternoon, around 1pm or 2pm. You will be assigned an official advisor from the Panama Authority to join you on-board, provided everything is going as planned. Thus, you need to provide hot meal and drinking water for your advisor. He or she will serve as your sailing mentor, attempting to get you through the canal as quickly and efficiently as possible. Still, you might end up having to stay the night for some unforeseen reason. In that case, expect to pay up to $500 dollars extra to dock.
On your journey, You will go through a series of locks (12 in total) composing is a system of levels that lift a ship up 85 feet to the main elevation of the Panama Canal and back down. Each lock is around 300-metre long and can be filled and emptied in 10 minutes. Once you have transited through all of them, you can continue on to either the Pacific or Caribbean side ocean.
All in all, if you decide to cross a Chanel on a private vessel, below are some tips for a smoother canal transit (Yachting World):
• Start researching information in advance, at least 3 months ahead, for comfortable preparation.
•It is better to keep the yacht’s decks clear. Move or stow items to keep the area around bow and stern cleats as clear as possible.
• Ensure all fairleads are fair to start. Re-leading takes time you may not have if currents start spinning the raft.
• Stern lines took the most load. Consider running them to a cockpit winch with the stern cleat as a guide to provide better control and mechanical advantage.
• Prep line handlers well. Hold a crew meeting. Make sure they understand how critical it is to be alert: they should not expect to use a GoPro or post on social media during transit.
• Repeat instructions from the adviser. It confirms you have heard and are responding to the action called for. It may serve to clarify the adviser’s intentions when issuing rapid instructions.
• Engage your adviser. Talk through manoeuvres in advance, asking for clarification on next steps and understanding actions they will want you to take before they need to happen.
The second Wallywind110 sailing yacht will premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 following private viewings in Sardinia and Monaco. The 33.5-meter vessel represents the sistership to the previously delivered Galma, featuring identical carbon fiber construction with customized interior modifications.Key distinctions from the first hull include a sand-grey hull finish and revised interior layout with flexible cabin configurations. The fourth cabin incorporates convertible bedding that transitions between twin and double arrangements through a sliding mechanism. An office area replaces the bar setup found on the previous vessel.Naval architecture by Judel/Vrolijk & Co. incorporates a telescopic keel adjustable between 4.5 and 6.95 meters depth. The sloop rig configuration utilizes Hall Spars carbon mast and North Sails 3Di sails providing 660 square meters of upwind area. Downwind sail capacity reaches 1,283 square meters.Interior design by Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi features lighter-toned oak cabinetry and reconfigured carbon fiber flooring patterns. The main saloon maintains raised seating with deep hull windows despite the vessel's exterior profile. Accommodations include an owner's suite forward, VIP cabin, and two convertible guest cabins aft.Construction efficiency improved compared to the first hull, with the yard completing the project ahead of schedule. The yacht will be displayed alongside other Ferretti Group products at the festival, which runs from September 9-14. The Wallywind110 remains the largest sailing yacht presented at the 2025 Cannes event.The vessel demonstrates Wally's continued focus on performance cruising yachts combining carbon fiber construction with customizable interior arrangements. The company maintains production facilities in Italy alongside other Ferretti Group brands.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Gilles Martin-Raget/Ferretti Group
September 12, 2025
Sunseeker has presented a new 40-meter model at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The design marks the first collaboration between Sunseeker and Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski.The yacht features a curved superstructure, tapered glazing, and two-tone exterior styling. Key elements include an extended aft deck with multiple lounge areas and a forward plunge pool convertible to seating when drained. Full technical specifications and interior layouts remain undisclosed pending further announcements.Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti stated: "This collaboration embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of superyacht design, delivering our clients exceptional craftsmanship, style and innovation."Francesco Paszkowski added: "Together, we aim to create designs that resonate with discerning yacht owners worldwide, combining elegance, performance and comfort."The 40-meter model represents Sunseeker's continued expansion into the larger yacht segment, following previous launches in the 30-35 meter range. The company maintains production facilities in Poole, UK, where construction of the new model will occur alongside existing product lines.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Sunseeker
September 12, 2025
Finnish yacht builder Nautor Swan has detailed its development strategy following its acquisition by Sanlorenzo Group in 2024. The company is implementing a €35 million investment program between 2024-2027 focused on facility expansion and product development.Swan 73New infrastructure includes production sites in Brescia and Viareggio, a Milan headquarters, and expanded offices in Monaco, Cannes, the United States, and Palma de Mallorca. The company unveiled two new sailing yachts at Cannes Yachting Festival: the Swan 51 performance cruiser and Swan 73 model, marking the brand's return to the 22-meter segment after two decades.Sanlorenzo Chairman and CEO Massimo Perotti stated: "We are proud to be the custodians of a remarkable legacy, preserving the heritage, craftsmanship, and spirit that define Swan. Swan's future is now enhanced through unprecedented investment and a focused product development strategy."Nautor Swan CEO Giovanni Pomati added: "We are moving forward with great speed, strengthening Swan's product portfolio and securing our heritage while preparing the brand for strong international growth."Swan 51The expansion strategy includes strengthened North American presence with a potential operations site in Pensacola, Florida, and a confirmed ClubSwan 28 racing calendar for Newport and Pensacola in 2026. Globally, the company leverages Sanlorenzo's distribution network with new sales points in Newport, Fort Lauderdale, Mediterranean locations, and Asia-Pacific markets.Swan 55The Swan 51 represents the smallest model in the performance cruiser line, incorporating design experience from over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019. The Swan 73, designed by German Frers, returns the brand to the 22-meter sailing yacht segment after 20 years.The company maintains six product lines across sailing and motor yacht categories, with continued emphasis on owner services including brokerage, charter operations, and global support networks. The ClubSwan organization continues coordinating racing events and owner gatherings worldwide, with expanded events planned following the Sanlorenzo investment.Credits: Nautor Swan
September 12, 2025
Greenline Yachts has revealed development of a new 12.8-meter model scheduled for launch in early 2026. The Greenline 42 will feature updated hull design by Micad enabling 30-knot maximum speed while maintaining twin 250hp standard propulsion.The design incorporates four additional solar panels on the coach roof, bringing total capacity to 4.1kW for hotel load operation and battery charging. The proprietary H-Drive 6G system manages hybrid functionality including silent electric maneuvering capabilities.Exterior and interior styling comes from Marco Casali, offering three interior themes based on honey teak or modern oak materials. Layout options include customizable cabin configurations, wardrobe arrangements, and bathroom facilities. The saloon features full-glass aft openings connecting to cockpit areas.CEO Vladimir Zinchenko stated: "When we do finally introduce a new boat, it is therefore no light decision. You can be sure that the new Greenline 42 has absorbed every inch of our know-how and will provide a reference in the market for decades to come."Designer Marco Casali noted the challenge of modernizing Greenline's established aesthetic while maintaining brand identity. The exterior profile connects design elements from larger Greenline models like the 58-foot version while incorporating contemporary features.The yacht will offer two distinct cockpit layouts with removable furniture options and improved foredeck lounge space. Technical enhancements include sliding galley windows for ventilation and helm station climate controls. The model represents Greenline's most customizable production to date according to company statements.Greenline continues production at its Slovenian facility, with the new model slotting between existing offerings in the brand's range. The company emphasizes sustainable materials and energy efficiency across its product lines, with the Greenline 42 continuing this approach through solar supplementation and hybrid propulsion options.Greenline Yachts are crafted in Slovenia within the European Union. The shipyard adheres to the highest European quality standards and reduces environmental footprint, prioritizes the use of local materials and expertise. The craftsmanship is rooted in more than 50 years of experience in composite boatbuilding. Credits: Greenline Yachts
September 12, 2025
Denison Yachting and OneWater Yacht Group have finalized a merger creating what they describe as the world's largest yacht firm. The combined entity will operate under the Denison Yachting brand with existing leadership from both organizations. The merger establishes a network of 23 offices across the United States and Europe.The expanded portfolio now includes representation of Absolute Yachts, HCB, Riviera, Prestige, and Belize Yachts. Denison becomes the largest Sunseeker dealer globally through the transaction. The combined company will list over 800 yachts with 180 brokers facilitating transactions.Denison Yachting President Bob Denison stated: "By joining with OneWater Yacht Group, we're bringing together two of the strongest teams in the industry. Our clients will benefit from more boats to choose from, the best marketing and technology, and a full-service approach that makes yacht ownership simpler."OneWater Yacht Group President Bryan Braley added: "By combining Denison's unmatched expertise in brokerage and charter with their industry leading marketing, we are creating the most comprehensive and customer-focused yachting company."The publicly-traded entity will continue offering new yacht sales, brokerage, charter services, management, crew placement, and after-sales support. Company representatives will provide additional details during the Monaco Yacht Show from September 24-27, with a press presentation scheduled for September 25.Denison Yachting maintains operations from waterfront offices with licensed brokers providing services including superyacht sales and new construction. The company traces its origins to Broward Marine established in Fort Lauderdale in 1948. The merger significantly expands the company's manufacturer representation and brokerage inventory across multiple market segments.Credits: Denison Yachting
September 11, 2025