March 2, 2025 | Sailing and Exploring the San Blas Islands
Sailing the San Blas: A Journey Through Waves and Culture
I am currently on the sailboat NORDIC FALKEN, or just FALKEN as everyone refers to it. My role on the boat is as crew, on a journey that started in Cartagena, Colombia, and will end in Panama City, Panama. You may already realize there is one big obstacle in our way—the American continent! And so, we will cross through the legendary Panama Canal. For now, we are meandering through the San Blas Islands, a place that feels almost untouched by time.
San Blas: A Hidden Gem in the Caribbean
The San Blas archipelago is little known outside sailing communities, but it is a true paradise. The islands are fringed with lush palms, sugar-white sand, and some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling here is an absolute dream—the water is crystal clear, teeming with marine life, and free of strong tidal currents. The wind has plenty of room to roam, but the waves are kept in check by expansive coral reefs, making the area ideal for sailors and snorkelers alike. Yet, what makes San Blas truly special isn’t just the scenery. It’s the people.
The Cuna (Guna) People: Keepers of the San Blas
The islands are home to the Cuna (Guna) people, an Indigenous group that has preserved its traditions and autonomy for centuries. The Guna Yala comarca (a self-governing region) consists of more than 360 islands, though only about 50 are inhabited. The Guna have fiercely resisted modernization, choosing to maintain their distinct language, customs, and economy.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Guna culture is their molas—intricately hand-stitched textiles that feature bold, geometric designs. Each mola tells a story, with layers of fabric sewn together using an ancient appliqué technique. They are not just art but a vital expression of identity, history, and worldview.
Unlike many Indigenous communities that have been displaced, the Guna still govern themselves, control their land, and even restrict large-scale tourism to prevent environmental and cultural degradation. The result? A place that remains authentic and deeply connected to its roots—a rare treasure in today’s world.
Night Watch Reflections: Between Terror and Triumph
As for our journey, we set out Thursday at mid-morning from Cartagena, aiming to complete the 200-nautical-mile crossing in under 30 hours. The sail went smoothly, but my night watch from 22:00 to 02:00 was an entirely different adventure.
We are eight crew members, not counting the skipper, mate, and bosun, and we rotate watches in teams of four. My first real test came when the wind picked up to 20+ knots, and the waves towered several meters high. There I was—miles from land, surrounded by darkness, save for the faint red glow of the compass in front of me.
It was exhilarating. It was terrifying. It was both.
The boat heaved and surged, moving up, down, and sideways in unpredictable ways. Keeping our course was a mental battle. At times, the crashing waves and disorienting motion overwhelmed me—I felt the boat drifting off course, lost in the night. But this is where a great crew and experienced leaders make all the difference. Our skipper and mate took turns at the second helm station, gently guiding us back on track when needed. Their calm confidence was contagious.
Despite the chaos of the waves and the howling wind, there was an unexpected sense of peace. Sailing teaches you to trust—not only in yourself but in your crew and the boat itself. It’s a reminder that even in the toughest conditions, you can adapt, learn, and push beyond what you thought possible.
By the time my shift ended, I was exhausted, but I had also grown in ways I didn’t expect. What started as a night of uncertainty became one of the most terrific—or terrifying—experiences of my life.
Onward to Panama
As we continue towards Colon, the entrance to the Panama Canal, I find myself reflecting on how lucky I am to be on this journey. Sailing is more than just moving from one place to another—it’s about discovery, challenge, and connection. The San Blas Islands have left a deep impression on me—not just for their beauty, but for the resilient and inspiring Guna people who call them home.
And now, a new challenge awaits—the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. But that’s a story for another day.
Fair winds and following seas!
- Håkan Söderbom, FALKEN Crew
crew@59-north.com
View more passage logs
Ketch us if you Kan
Falken is soon to carry on our preferred route of South, back to (hopefully) warmer climates. We’re all excited to set off and see more of this wild landscape as we head down to Victoria. A thermal trough over Vancouver combined with an offshore high pressure creating funneling NW’ly winds means it is due to be pretty fruity on the 9th. This passage is just under 600 miles, relatively short for Falken, but I’m sure we’ll be kept entertained with dramatic scenery, wildlife and weather!
Final Blog
Falken and her crew arrived safely into port last night around 8pm boat time, 10pm Prince Rupert time. Some spicy weather was anticipated, but luckily the 35kt gusts and 2.5 meter waves were no match for this expert crew. We had an exceptionally smooth docking, despite it being Alex's first time parking this year (!). We all agreed that this was a very special group of people—I for one am so impressed with how everyone stayed so positive, helpful, and appreciative of humor despite an arguably challenging passage. We'll all return home significantly saltier than we were when we left, a mark of a passage properly sailed.
Lessons and a Gift
The biggest lesson is the helm. The lesson here is that even if you don't think you can do it over and over again with no sleep, cold and damp, it has to be done and so it can be done. Flying fish are cool, dolphins are really really cool, but the coolest of them all are the whales. And most of all Alex: "Find your center Carla. Always know where your center is so you can come back to it". He means the helm but it applies to life as well.