Dates: February 9 – February 23, 2024, 15 days
Price: 9 500 Euro
Nautical Miles: 950 NM
Skipper: Johan Billström
First mate: Sonja Blom
Start: Las Perlas, Panama
End: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Galapagos
The adventure of your life – ocean sailing with the performance yacht Celeste, crossing the equator and exploring the Galapagos Island.
This is an adventure you do not want to miss.
On February 9 we meet on Celeste in Las Perlas and familiarize ourselves with Celeste and each other.
We will spend a couple of days exploring the stunning Las Perlas islands before joining the other World ARC yachts for our journey to the Galapagos Islands. The archipelago of Las Perlas has some of the most pristine and well-preserved beaches in Panama, along with dense jungles full of flowers and birdsong. The marine life around Pearl Island is abundant.
Departing in mid-February, we’ll tackle the 850 nautical mile passage, which should take about six days. This journey is particularly exciting as it crosses the Equator, and the crew will have the chance to pay tribute to King Neptune in a traditional ceremony!
As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you become part of the team and are involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat. On the longer passages, we sail in watch teams where you are on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours.
Since Celeste is a performance yacht we will likely arrive in Galapagos in advance of most participating yachts in the Rally. Upon our arrival in San Cristobal, there will be ample opportunity to discover these iconic islands.
A paradise for nature enthusiasts, you can expect to encounter sea lions, whales, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and a vibrant array of fish and seabirds. The diving, snorkeling, and wildlife watching here are truly exceptional, with opportunities to swim alongside majestic sea mammals, playful sea lions, hammerhead sharks, and even penguins. On land, the local communities offer a rich cultural experience, complete with delicious fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables.
During our stay, Celeste will dock in three primary harbors on the islands of Cristobal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz, each just a day’s sail apart.
To safeguard the delicate ecosystem, free cruising is not allowed for yachts. The best way to truly experience these islands is by participating in organized tours led by knowledgeable local guides who will ensure we make the most of our time here.
Our adventure will conclude in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, where we’ll meet up with the other World ARC yachts.
