Feedback on ideas for new marina at Pacific entrance Panama

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-01-20 10:42:53
Countries: Panama

According to people I spoke to at the Panama Canal Authority and the Maritime Authority (AMP) the Balboa Yacht club is not only out of space but has to reduce its capacity (or has already done so). Accoding to the PCA they don't have their paperwork in order so growth for the foreseable future is unlikely. Besides, according to the AMP, the PCA and its pilots in particular can and will block any attempt to create more mooring or marina space along the cause way because they see it as incompatible with the Canal's operation.

On the other side of the Causeway (Bay of Panama) there is lots of space but not quite close to shore as the Smithsonian Institute (kind of the eco version of the ACP it seems) has declared some of that sea a protected area (that's right, the only protected sewer on the world). Like the Canal pilots, they don't like any vessel traffic, however small, near their docks. Looks selfish to me.

So, there's a possibility to lease sea surface from the AMP about 1 nm (and beyond) north east of Isla Noas (kind of south-east for the tip of the Casco Viejo).

Maybe its an idea to get some people together and finance a floating dock marina (anchored), including a big pontoon that has laundry facilities, storage, gas, etc. and regular dingy service to the City (right to Avenida Balboa). Maybe the municipality would agree building or permitting a small dock arriving/departing passengers.

This area is relatively well protected but could be protected even more with floating wave attenuators.

Any comments?

Scott Ingels

scott_ingels@hotmail.com