E38: Transiting the Panama Canal on a 27 foot Sailboat

Current coordinates: 8.459418, -78.999616
I am currently cruising around Panama and waiting to see if the South Pacific opens up so I can go through this season.
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For more regular photo updates and boating life, check out my instagram page: @boatlizard
I am a 28-year-old female solo sailor beginning my circumnavigation. My boat is a 27-foot-long sloop named Gecko. Follow me on my journey as I learn about heavy weather sailing, the trials of being solo, and my adventures in paradise. Follow my bi-weekly blog on : windhippie.com
Thanks for watching and subscribing! You guys are the best!

[@kevinwilkinson1510]

Another great video, thanks. And thanks to Tish.

[@svamour4574]

I will sail around the horn before paying Panama 2k. You do such a great job, I wish you well.

[@amaturearcadia]

There was a date she missed when rate doubled she could have gotten away with 1000

[@pdutube]

I've seen several KZbinrs do this now but I laughed at your awesome tire scavenging skills. Well done, how symbolic there was a gecko in your tire!

[@SailingSeatramp]

Finally I got reception to watch it! Thanks for having me with you on this epic canal crossing! Miss u 😘

[@janmaaso]

What an adventure! You will NEVER forget this for as long as you live.

[@donvandamnjohnsonlongfella1239]

Jan H. Maaso she died. So she didn't remember this for very long.

[@bepowerification]

@@donvandamnjohnsonlongfella1239 for a dead person she looks pretty good in the video she posted 13 days ago. idiot.

[@3gtx]

Brovo girl! What a great adventure. The little boat that could. Hope this message finds you well and can"t wait to hear your adventure in the Pacific continue when the world stops holding in place. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures.

[@SixthEstateAZ]

I’m so happy as an old hippie to see your happily peaceful transit of the canal. 💪🏼🤙🏼

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Great episode, thanks

[@VedranKasic]

For such an old engine, it performed great, trotling at full speed trough canal was awesome 💪

[@elviejo1998]

My wife is from Panama and I have lived there off and on for about 10 years. We are currently in the states due to Covid restrictions in Panama but this brought back memories of the great life in Panama. Fished a lot in the canal and Lake Gatun, returning to Panama in a few months.

[@_PJW_]

Amazing what friends and ingenuity can accomplish! 🤩😲

[@AWBepi]

Reusing the tires endeared you to me... The hand crank engine made me fall in love.

[@MarkWYoung-ky4uc]

Great video. Great friends! 😊👍

[@terrysteward6765]

Very cool. Just thinking...did you ever think about getting a Ham radio license? You would really need both the Technician and General licenses. The General would let you operate in HF, which is what you would use to talk long distance without repeaters. You would make a ton of friends on the radio because we like talking to people in unusual places. The easiest way to study is to do it online with the something like Ham Test Online. The real benefit would be learning a little about all the topics Ham radio covers. Very relevant for solar power, wiring, electricity, radio propagation, etc.

[@bowdezaufa2609]

You killed the crossing. Hats off to you.

[@grahamrichardson9613]

Holly, Your a legend. Love your spirit. Go Girl

[@fijimarns]

Grateful for your friends for their assistance 🌹🌹

[@therealpomme]

Be Free! Glad u had THE best Norwegian ever around (again) Cheers Thomas! 👍👍⛵

[@zenzen9131]

Calm seas and fair winds Holly :)

[@cometjockeydave4041]

I have two ideas. One, you could look into getting a more efficient propeller, which would not only give you more speed from the motor you have, but it would also mean less fuel consumption. Most boats just come with whatever prop the manufacturer could pay the least for to get the buyer on the water. Don't forget although there are ever more cruisers travelling around, most boat owners don't make big circumnavigations, or ocean crossings like you're doing. They are usually set up to sail for an afternoon, or a weekend with perhaps a weeklong vacation once a year if even that. Idea two, you could also get a ten horse power outboard for the boat to either supplement the main engine, takeover if the main ever quits, and offer better downspeed maneuverability in tight spaces especially if the wind is really blowing. Please be safe, and fair winds.

[@NPCSN]

Good call. Well said.

[@laroccafishing4771]

this was awesome to see. I went thru in the eighties on "small boat day". everyone thought it must be so cool. haha it was a night mare and we were on ninety five foot boat. also went thru at night time so wasn't much to see. pilots wanted coke cola and cheese burgers all night long.

[@colinboniface194]

you're not cheap, you are very resourceful... Panama... Mate, that's a milestone... Well done you...

[@imagrasshopper9510]

Great story telling Wind Hippie. You're awesome!!!

[@johnnya9001]

Spectacular. And very informative.

[@robertanderson571]

Hi great video I am currently planning my sailing the world very soon

[@roncanizares9966]

You are not cheap. You are frugal. There is a big difference!

[@NeilRex-marrillier]

Found this by chance and absolutely enjoying it , have a lot of catching up to do , keep up the good and interesting episodes

[@samdemello6103]

Awesome passage through the Panama Canal, and Werth every penny of it !!! An experience of a lifetime !!! Well done Captain Holly !!!! ARRRR !!!

[@roryvonbrutt7302]

Gosh Holly glad you had all that help

[@edwardsbarbara25]

Do you ever, ever doubt your ability to do what you set your mind to? Never lose that ability

[@sharonlabrecque6084]

Please be safe on your journey.

[@timsmith6700]

Awesome. Watched the whole thing. Well done...

[@stevev707]

I am glad to see you living your dream before you settled down with a family.

[@Chainsaw_18.]

This was a Great video 👍Years ago I was Station near U.S. Army base Fort Clayton, Panama close to the canal. Seen boats enter the canal, but never see one go all the way through . Thanks for Posting this video 👍🍷🍾

[@markandrade7547]

I love car tire fenders. I saved all my tires from my van for my fenders.

[@mariemorrissey9378]

Very informative! 👍👍⛵⚓⛵

[@Jimbojenkins]

Brava Lady! You are fantastic! I'm blown away.

[@cristianelvis]

You is the best. Congrats from Brazil!

[@tossed_about]

Wow !! What an incredibly resourceful young woman you are. Fearlessly negotiating foreign red tape is a skill even many old salts still tremble thinking about. Your cheerful bravery and determination is inspiring.

[@risasb]

Once you go under that bridge, you have half the planet at your feet. I remember Barry on White Shadow actually a bit weepy when he came to this point. I certainly would be. It's a big deal, and I'm happy for every single hander that does it.

[@omegaseamaster1550]

Great times ahead Holly Stay healthy and keep up the great work

[@terryknutson3202]

You were fortunate to have so much "Good" help girl. Good job.

[@YakMiani]

Holly, you're just the best!

[@rifke]

You are my new hero.

[@sigvardc]

God Bless you little Holly Wishing you all the best !!

[@benjaminhamilton7122]

Best and most informative regarding some details about recent transfers not on cruise ship!

[@Yodie208]

Oh Wow.That is the old Ft. Sherman barracks in the background. I stayed in the second one from the end back in the seventy's while in the military. They had vending machines that dispensed Papst Blue Ribbon beer cans for .25 cents each. we would sit on the beach and watch the ships entering the canal. Panama is a beautiful country

[@hiersche49]

You are pretty damn awesome Holley, but then you come from some pretty awesome stock. You go Viking, don't stop until you conquer the world

[@markayers5397]

Amazing job Holly!

[@chriscoralAloha]

You got lucky with your crew and especially your advisor. The tire stash at the beginning was a good omen of your following luck. If only all canal crossings where so easy . Not allare so lucky. Keep hold of this vibe as it will serve you well in the not always peaceful Pacific. Good luck and great vlog.

[@danmccollister4840]

I spent many months on the pacific, the flying fish are amazing! Whales are very cool.

[@blairguinea1337]

Holly thank you..............and wow your such an inspiration ! Take it easy in the pacific

[@edwardsbarbara25]

Such an uplifting experience

[@davie261]

I watch a few sailing channels and came across yours. I have subbed and am now going back to watch more. Your attitude, honesty and ability to sail alone for days at a time in a small vessel amazes me. Of course your sense of humor is the glue that keeps it all afloat in my opinion. These are hard times we are in and watching your vids gives a welcome escape.

[@dougsrepair1060]

That looks like a great experience. Good video.

[@carlitobollas1798]

im enjoying to watch your vlog on your tour at sea im from Philippines.

[@Pippinstravels]

Great stuff Holly. Good luck.

[@HenryHeymusic]

This was really great. I know that you are stuck and waiting around until things open up, but for those of us stuck at home - this is such a breath of fresh air!

[@SalingSamantas]

I love the detail about the process of getting through the canal. Good info if I plan on going this way.

[@JohnKinsella123]

Well done! Very nicely managed and very gracious too!

[@RusstafaB]

Fantastic YT Channel, none of the show off stuff from other channels Really pleased found your channel

[@aphrodite3216]

Hi Holly, At some point would you go over all the costs? Even the ones you avoided and how to avoid them.. Thanks and safe travels!

[@cptcas1405]

You are such a brave adventures young lady Holly setting a good example. Keep it up and fair winds.

[@bayanicustodio3998]

Interesting to see the Sea Tramp crew. 👍🙂

[@kellybuentiempo6924]

Your the best! Keep going squid!

[@tbob8212]

Nice score on the tires, lol. My 1st thought was are those stolen tires a thief wrapped in plastic at that stash house? Some thief wondering what happened?!! XD

[@antoniolomedico5990]

wow ..learned lots. Panama will become my home base this winter, also been there many times ,that I can feel the breeze and the humidity .Great video, maybe the best about cruising the canal of Panama !!!

[@ralphjansen9205]

Great video. Where there is a will there is a way. Well done.

[@gpdewitt]

It's fun to watch you make your way through the canal. We have transited twice, but on large cruise ships. I would love to do it on a sailboat, and a circumnavigation. Maybe next lifetime!

[@mp6756]

You are amazing keep up the chill travel

[@hooligan6a]

I enjoy watching you. I made a circumnavigation in a 29 foot boat and getting ready to do it for a second time.

[@willshaw3561]

I'm getting ready as well..

[@willshaw3561]

Hughes 29

[@skulijakobsson5116]

Luck follows the Good! Well done!

[@Mr7valentine7]

Thank you for sharing your experince of transitting the Canal! Great, informative vid! Fair winds and light waves, Holly!

[@paulvaneck5688]

Hi Holly ,thanks for that video , i think it was one of your coolest , it's so nice to see it from that perspective.

[@contentforcoaches]

Yay Holly and Team Holly! Hope all are well!

[@ericson26savannah86]

Holy that was fantastic, it gives me hope for making it through the canal on my small boat. Good luck safe travels as soon as the lockdown eases up.

[@rosslevitates]

Thanks Holly that was a great video. Well done on being such a good sailor too!!

[@kranzonguam]

Welcome to the Pacific!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Take good care!

[@adrianvrouwenvelder6919]

Fantastic! Thanks for the video!

[@ottoskorzeny4]

Good evening. A very significant transition from ocean to ocean. Cool.

[@simonpritchard6074]

Brilliant..What an inspirational woman you are.

[@fjtalleyauthor2242]

Yep. Definitely worth watching the whole video: very informative. I've never seen a boat or ship go through the canal before. This was cool to see.

[@myfunart]

I just found your videos a couple weeks or so ago and have I've watched all of them up to this point and loving the adventure you're on. Anyway, I wanted to let you know I went through the Panama Canal in 1966 aboard the Navy ship on was stationed on. We went from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans and went through the same locks you did. Your voyage is a heck of a lot more of an adventure then mine was, lol. You are the real deal. Best of luck on the rest of you adventure and I'll be watching (from the safety of my chair here at home, lol)

[@grahammewburn]

You are so enterprising! Good onya mate. Cheers Gray The ol codger Downunder

[@stingray427man]

What an adventure, thx for sharing. 👍

[@c.wrightkunkle3681]

Damn, I thought I knew what courageous was, but now I do...your trip. You are very courageous to undertake a trip like that with the limited resources. I’ve not seen your back story. I imagine you have some life experience that gave you the belief you have of your capability. I dream of getting a Cal40 and taking off. I’ve seen one for sale now for $12K. I have the ability to buy the boat, but I’m 73 and afraid I’ll run out of steam. What do you think? Good luck!!

[@johngriffiths118]

Hope you made it out into the big blue ol mate

[@toneringer]

Love this video and wish you well. Let's write your book!

[@tbertw]

We are going to be vacationing in Panama in the next year or so. We want to volunteer for a passage thru the canal. I have seen several canal passages on you tube. Yours is the most entertaining and informative. THANKS and be safe.

[@ericbergdahl6971]

You are doing a great job. Thank you for sharing this with us and the cost of the travel through the canal. Be safe and good sailing.

[@calvingarrett3245]

Hello good to see you smile at the end of the canal you succeeded good to see you enjoying life God bless you Holly always enjoy watching the videos stay safe and have a beer on me watching from Roseville California USA Ray Garrett

[@bocaboy69]

You are living life, very brave. Stay safe and keep enjoying your travels. Love watching your videos.

[@SailingTaranto]

Wow! Cheers Holly, what a cool experience, nothing but joy do I feel.

[@redeye4192]

I enjoyed the video. A lot of good information. Thank you so much. Be safe out there. Peace

[@svglorious]

With Holly, anything is possible. You are so right, you did one of the best jobs ever in making your Panama Passage happen. Great job in de-mystifying going thru the Panama Canel👍👍

[@Sharpiesailor31]

Well done Holly! You have an indomitable spirit! Wish you the best in your voyaging. Cheers

[@artadams1]

Seriously, I don't know how I ended up seeing this video. I don't sail, never have. BUT.... I spent 2 years in Panama, I was stationed at Ft. Davis Atlantic side, used to love going to Ft. Sherman to dive, we would always see container ships going through the locks. It's a strange sight from the other side, driving on a jungle road and seeing a ship passing by in the locks, through the middle of the jungle. Gatun Lake! We used to go fishing there, the fishing was crazy good. This video brought back some memories for me, you had to go into Colon for your paperwork. I remember Colon, but it was Colon from the early 90s, much different than it is today. You sailed under the Bridge of the Americas which is on the Pacific side, Panama City, I used to drive over that bridge. Scuba was like a religion for me when I was stationed in Panama, I logged hundreds of dives. I have watched most of your videos now, and want to start sailing. I just don't know where to start, I don't even live near the Ocean. Maybe I'm too old, who knows, whatever. Keep doing what you're doing, you are reaching people that you can't even imagine (myself included). I wish you the best of luck, I think that you're the bravest young lady I have ever seen. Not sure that I would have the stones to do what you're doing even at my age. I'm happy to see you enjoying what you love to do you make me feel free. In case you didn't know, Gatun lake used to be a town, they flooded it when constructing the canal. I used to hear stories about the town of Gatun so I went diving there. The town is still there just underwater, it's one of the strangest sights I have ever seen diving. There's a church underwater with the bell still in the steeple. Keep making videos, for us older folks it might just be the only way that we get to go sailing.

[@sailingddcircumnavigation5931]

You should be so proud of yourself.👏👏👏

[@Peteamareet]

Way to go Holly ! Thanks for a fun video, my doubts are quelled !

[@kimbellagurl5350]

Wow girl you have an amazing genuine smile.. This was a fun video, thanks for sharing... Fair winds.. & hope to see you out there..

[@crismoore6811]

I am blown away by your courage, organizational talent and getting all this help. Wow.