Taking part in a World ARC leg is both a challenging and rewarding experience. Legs 5-6 have it all for those looking for a true immersion into the Pacific way of life! Staring from the culturally rich Las Perlas this passage travels through the famous Doldrums, includes an Equator crossing and arrives at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Galapagos islands.

The Las Perlas or Pearl islands are a stunning archipelago of over 250 tiny islands located about 30 miles off the coast of Panama City. These Islands are famous for their pristine and well-preserved beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and incredible marine life, making them a paradise for scuba diving, snorkelling, and wildlife enthusiasts. With a rich history dating back to the Spanish colonial era, the Islands offer a unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation, making them a great place to explore for a couple of days ahead of joining the rally for this Leg of World ARC sailing to the Galapagos.

Whilst this passage is straightforward, with regards to navigation, it can involve head winds and the Doldrums also must be negotiated but should take around six days. At the start of the leg winds from the Caribbean bring good breezes but gradually the wind is likely to drop, and light winds are to be expected for much of the passage. With the leg starting north of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and finishing south of this zone this passage involves crossing the region known historically as the Doldrums. The ITCZ is a region of high temperature and low pressure along the Equator. Conditions of very light winds and calms persist along its length and the weather is hot and sultry. Headwinds may be encountered after the Doldrums before the wind swings more southerly or south-easterly nearer the Galapagos.

This leg is particularly exciting as it also includes a crossing of the Equator! Sailors have a long-standing tradition of celebrating this event with a “Crossing the Line” ceremony. The crew will have the chance to pay tribute to King Neptune in a traditional ceremony! This rite of passage, also known as a sea baptism, involves initiating those who haven’t crossed the equator before into the “court” of King Neptune. This will also be the first time that your skipper has crossed the equator! A unique experience which truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you will become part of the team and involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat. On the longer passages, sailing is undertaken in watch teams where you are on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours. The responsible ‘on-watch’ team handles steering, trimming, and navigation while off-watch you get a chance to rest, sleep and also prepare meals and help out with other duties around the boat.

This leg culminates in the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Galapagos islands. Described as a unique living museum and showcase of evolution, this archipelago of 19 islands is located 1,000 km (600 miles) off mainland Ecuador. The islands form a national park and a biological marine reserve offering sightings of some fascinating marine and bird life. Since Celeste is a performance yacht it is likely to arrive in Galapagos in advance of most of the 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, snorkelling, 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 harbours 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. The Galapagos are clearly one of the most fascinating places on Earth as well as a welcome stop on the long passage to the Marquesas.

How To Get There: Las Perlas
If you are joining the yacht at this point, then Las Perlas can be reached by air or sea. Here are your main options for getting there from Panama City:
By Air: The quickest way to reach the islands is by a short 20-minute flight from Panama City to Contadora Island. Several local airlines offer daily flights.
By Ferry: Another popular option is to take a ferry from Panama City to Las Perlas. The ferry ride lasts about 90 minutes and provides a scenic route through the gulf separating the archipelago from the mainland. Ferries usually operate daily and are a great way to start your adventure with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands.