from Panama to French Polynesia…
Andreas Kreutzer Segelreisen This page was translated automatically from German. View the original
Balboa (Panama) – Nuku Hiva (Marquesas Islands)
Our voyage begins at the Balboa Yacht Club, a safe harbour on the edge of the Panama Canal that prepares us for the great ocean. After the final preparations – provisioning, safety checks and a briefing – the moment has come: we set course for the Pacific. The start is calm, yet the challenges of the long-distance trip ahead make us gaze out at the vast, unpredictable sea. We know that a real adventure awaits us.
The first section of the trip takes us out of the Panama Canal, past the Pacific islands of Panama and into the open ocean. For the coming weeks the sea will be our home, and we must adapt to the rhythm of sailing. With each passing day we move further from civilisation and the reality of long-distance sailing sets in.
This passage is no ordinary sailing trip. We are sailing into the Pacific, one of the largest oceans in the world. This means:
Weather conditions: The first days are often calm with light winds, but soon stronger winds can set in and the sea becomes rougher. Squalls and changing wind directions are possible at any time. Correct sail setting and constant adjustment to conditions are crucial. Our crew must remain alert at all times to keep the vessel safe.
Night passages: The darkness of the Pacific is overwhelming. The starry sky that guides our course at night can be a familiar companion, but time aboard also feels endless. Our crew will take turns on deck in watches – day and night, always on duty. The task of navigating safely and holding course requires the highest concentration and precision.
Fitness and stamina: Life aboard during a long-distance passage is physically and mentally demanding. There will be no time for luxury, only the necessary daily tasks: cooking, sailing, keeping watch and maintaining the vessel in top condition. The crew must be fit and resilient – both physically and mentally – to endure the demanding continuous voyage.
Provisions and supplies: With no access to fresh markets, all provisions must be planned and stowed in advance. Daily meals must be prepared from stores, which means the crew must be creative and efficient in managing limited resources.
The sailing route – A steady rhythm on the open ocean
After the first days of sailing we will reach the doldrums near the equator, where the winds often die away completely. Patience is called for here. The crew must be prepared to manoeuvre the ship through calm areas and repeatedly reset the sails when the wind picks up again.
As the voyage continues, we sail deeper into the Pacific. Our course will lead us ever further south-west, through the intertropical convergence zone and finally into the trade wind belt, where more stable winds await us. These constant winds are ideal for long-distance sailing, but also a constant challenge, as they push the crew to peak performance.
The decision on how best to sail the ship in changing winds requires constant communication and teamwork. The rhythm of daily life aboard is determined by the tasks of sailing, navigation and watches. Life at sea becomes an almost meditative experience – each day follows a fixed routine, yet always with a hint of unpredictability as the ocean presents us with new challenges.
The final stages – the destination in sight
The closer we get to the Marquesas Islands, the more intense the anticipation of our destination becomes, yet even the final nautical miles are not without their challenges. The changing weather, proximity to the islands and navigation demand the utmost precision. In the final phase of the trip, the crew will have to rely particularly on their skills to bring the vessel safely to shore.
The Marquesas Islands, with their rugged beauty and isolation, provide a spectacular conclusion to the voyage. The first sight of the volcanic cone of Nuku Hiva rising majestically from the Pacific will fill the team with a sense of fulfilment and pride.
Conclusion – a journey of a lifetime
This trip is not only a physical challenge but also a mental journey. Long-distance sailing requires team spirit, patience, endurance and the willingness to face the elements and the challenges of the open ocean. Yet even though there are moments of exhaustion and doubt, we are rewarded with an incomparable sense of freedom and fulfilment when we finally reach the harbour of Nuku Hiva.
We sail with Lotte, a Bavaria C51 from 2017. Lotte is a special vessel and is constructed without restrictions for ocean use and certified by the Berufsgenossenschaft. She sovereignly takes even high waves and delights with excellent seakeeping. Comfort and dynamics have been uncompromisingly combined, so that a cosy camaraderie on board and an intensive sailing experience await us.
Welcome on board, Willkommen an Bord, Grüezi mitenand ond willkomme a Bord !
Andreas Kreutzer
Map from OpenStreetMap. When the map is displayed, data is transmitted to the provider.
More InformationMap from OpenStreetMap. When the map is displayed, data is transmitted to the provider.
More InformationBavaria 51 C
51 feet
