the blue sky

The Blue Sky is an older, wide beamed sailing yacht owned by Debbie and Breeze. It was built in 1986 in Taiwan and relatively well maintained. It is quite spacious, especially the king cabin, the outside deck and the salon. However, they have lived on it for the last 16 years and have a lot of stuff, leaving not much room for your stuff, essentially a desk top and part of the top of a bookcase in the king cabin....no available drawers. There is also very limited room for suitcases. If you are traveling with more than two people there is also a relatively spacious queen cabin, although Debbie and Breeze then have to sleep in the salon. Note, it is not that much more expensive to pay an extra fee and travel as one couple. The boat is clean and feels safe. Meals are basic, but good (fish tacos, roast chicken, bean and cheese quesadillas, tuna sandwiches; no dessert). Given that it is very difficult to get food supplies in such an isolated place you will probably be asked to do some shopping in Panama City, box it up and bring on the plane with you. Be sure to buy things that you especially like, especially dessert items like chocolate. They have an honor bar and do not provide wine, beer, rum, sodas, juice, etc. as part of their charges. They have two good kayaks and we had fun seeing sting rays, starfish and the beautiful islands. Their snorkel gear is good and Breeze is terrific to snorkel with as he knows all the fish and is very patient. The furniture on the top deck is pretty wobbly when traveling and not always comfortable if sitting for a long time. It would be nice if they would provide cushions for lying on the deck at the front of the boat. They are amiable and easy to get along with. Be sure to ask them to take you up the Rio Diablo in the dinghy and to have dinner in the Kuna village and then walk around. Getting there is a bit of an experience - 6 seater Cessna that reminds me of a 1960s VW with two extra seats. However, we did arrive and depart safely, although not on schedule. It is run more like a taxi service. Sailing on the Blue Sky is not luxurious or gourmet, but is good value for the money. They are very safety conscious and have a lot of experience sailing in the San Blas islands.

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We really enjoyed having you onboard! Thank you so much for the kind words, and the very generous, but not necessary gratuity! Please come sail with us again next time you are in Panama!

Wow, what a trip!!!!! Debbie and Breeze we're strangers to us but quickly became great friends. We felt like we were leaving family after 4 nights. Debbie is super organized, from her detailed grocery list, to her fantastic cooking skills...and this from a woman who never gets to the mainland to buy groceries! She sends a detailed list before you board and gives you all the info you need about transportation to get there and back. Breeze is an excellent captain and both patiently answered the million questions we had. The snorkelling was great, kayaking was great, swimming was great, interacting with the local natives was great.. And Breezes guitar playing and sing along was fantastic. The fishing was good, not great but that was the fault of the fisherman....us! I cannot say enough about this wonderful couple, they truly love their boat and the ocean and strongly believe in taking care of both. They were as interestd in our lives as we were of theirs, and I think I answered all their questions about horses.....if planning a trip with them, sharpen up on your dominoes skills......and enjoy a great vacation!

We spent 4 great days with Debbie and Breeze on Blue Sky. Debbie was very thorough in giving us directions to first purchase some groceries for her and then arranging the trip out to the boat. She also recommended a place to stay in Panama City which was just perfect.They had recommended a four day cruise with coming one way by road and then returning to Panama City by air. This allows you to experience a one way trip in the San Blas and we agree, it is worth trying both options to come and go as they are excitement in themselves. Particularly for us as the regular launch wasn't available to bring us to the boat, instead we were crammed in a boat with the local Kuna. That was great fun but very wet, most of the trip everyone is hiding behind plastic tablecloths so you don't see much. It's a good idea to have your luggage in large garbage bags to keep it dry. Also when we were leaving Air Panama must have had some aircraft issue as our flight was delayed several hours ( yay got to sleep in) and eventually we flew back in a private four seater Cessna with an 88 year old Kuna gentleman while our luggage went in a second Cessna with another couple.Once on board Debbie and Breeze made us feel very welcome. We took the smaller cabin and yes it is tight but manageable. The only downside is you want to have the hatch open at night for a cool breeze but when it rains you get wet so with a few "5 minute" showers each night you are waking up to open and shut the hatch as it's a bit too stifling if left closed.Debbie does an excellent job of producing great meals especially as you realize there is very little in the way of grocery shopping. The best is the fish and lobsters that the Kuna come by with almost daily. Breeze is a perfect host always making sure we have something interesting to do and never tiring of putting in the kayaks, taking us snorkelling or taking us in the launch to a deserted island or two. Having spent many years in the San Blas they certainly know their way around and can take you to the best spots. In addition they are respected by the Kuna and they take you to experience some of their villages.Debbie and Breeze went out of their way to help celebrate Ralph's 70th birthday with champagne and fresh lobster and a birthday brownie cake and an evening's entertainment of Breeze on the guitar! Much appreciated even if we can't sing!While we see that you can visit the San Blas by staying on one of the islands, after our sailing trip we feel this is the only way to really get to experience them. The area is vast and Debbie and Breeze have so much knowledge of both the Kuna and the area that it truly enhances your visit.Thanks again for all you did Debbie and BreezeRalph and Linda

My boyfriend and I spent 6 wonderful nights aboard the Blue Sky over New Years. From the moment we arrived on the boat, Debbie and Breeze went above and beyond to make sure we were having a fun, relaxing, adventurous holiday. They took us to unknown islands, canoe river trips and good snorkelling spots. They really know the area so well! I highly recommend the king suite. It was very spacious, airy, and comfortable. Definitely worth the extra money. Debbie cooked great meals, breakfast especially! If you have special dietary needs I suggest bringing some ingredients with you. Because of the location and remoteness, a lot of the foods were carbs and canned goods. That being said, Debbie definitely did the best one could do! I will say the boat rocked more than I would have imagined so if you have a sensitive stomach, this might not be the trip for you. I felt a little queazy the first few hours on the boat and was totally fine after that. It's a very relaxing, chill type of trip. Don't expect a party anywhere! But we did have a wonderful new years eve party on our boat hosted by Debbie. All in all, great trip. Once in a lifetime. Really adventurous. Definitely the best way to see the San Blas. Debbie and Breeze are professionals!

We spent 5 wonderful nights on board the Blue Sky with Debbie and Breeze over New Years 2014. Right from the airstrip where Breeze met us in Corazon de Jesus we were welcomed by Breeze and the Kuna's and felt comfortable and welcomed. Once on the boat Debbie right away asked us if we had eaten breakfast and whipped up some fantastic pancakes for us. The boat itself is in wonderful shape and Debbie and Breeze take very good care of it. The queen stateroom was tight, but comfortable and well ventilated and worked perfectly for my girlfriend and I. The boat had lots of areas for your own space in the front and back of the boat and Deb and Breeze gave us a great rundown of what and how to use everything on board as soon as we arrived. Deb's cooking was absolutely amazing. From the amazing breakfasts to the fresh caught lobster dinners to the all out burrito buffet the last night, they really went all the way to make sure we were well fed. On New Year's eve we had a party on board the Blue Sky with a few of the other boats in the anchorage. Everyone brought their own dish and we had an incredible pot luck style meal. The islands themselves were incredible, and Deb and Breeze know all of the great spots to keep you away from busy tourist islands, and like to stay away from big anchorages themselves. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation this is the way to go. We couldn't have been happier with our trip and would definitely recommend this to anyone else. Thank you for having us on board over the holidays Deb and Breeze and it was a pleasure meeting you both!Dustin and Jessica

As a solo traveler, I did my research and sailed for nine days with Captain Breeze and Debbie aboard Blue Sky.. The experience was great!. Traveling, especially on a sailboat, allows you to meet the nicest and most interesting people from many different countries, a wonderful learning experience without the commute.Breeze and Debbie go out of their way to make your time special. Kayak, swim, hang out on the swim platform, read, listen to music and wonder why the water is so blue. They are seasoned veterans of the San Blas Islands and just meeting their cruising friends is worth the price of admission. S/V Blue Sky is a strong and secure boat with little heel while underway. I always felt safe!Fair Winds, Mike M

We enjoyed a wonderful five days on the Blue Sky! This trip was the perfect mix of exploring palm tree covered islands, eating delicious food, snorkeling over coral reefs, learning about the Kuna culture, and relaxing on board the boat. Debbie and Breeze were wonderful hosts, and they did so much to make us feel safe, comfortable, and at home on board. We really appreciated the extra effort they took to make this a fun vacation- from guiding us on our snorkeling adventures, to showing us around the Kuna villages and introducing us to their friends. We would absolutely recommend the Blue Sky for anyone who is looking for an relaxing, fun, and affordable sailing trip in the San Blas, with respected, safe, and friendly hosts.

Great start to rewind and start a holiday. Very relaxing on the Blue Sky! Debbie and Breeze are wonderful hosts who'll do everything to make your stay every penny worth. The suit is very comfortable, dayly trips like kayaking, visiting remote islands and Kuna's, best snorkling (!!!!) all at your pace... Life on deck very tranquile with drinks and music, be ware when Breeze brings out his guitar!!!!!!!! Best way to explore the San Blas!!!!! ( and the one thing you must do visiting Panama!)

Thank you so much for a great review! We had a blast with the two of you! Glad you enjoyed all the meals we prepared, the snorkeling and your own private island time. Also, Breeze's guitar music, I'm still struggling to learn the bongo drum! We have recently been putting a large awning over the forward hatch at night when it rains which allows for the hatch to remain open.at all timesletting the cool air in. That and the fan makes the queen stateroom more comfortable for the rainy season.We hope to see you girls back out sailing with us again soon! Cheers!

We had a wonderful time having you and your sister onboard! Thanks for taking the time to write your great review!

The San Blas islands are breathtaking. The ocean is clear and warm. Debbie and Breeze taught myself, my husband, and our friend how to snorkel. It truly is a whole new word under the sea. Kayaking was fun as well. Debbie is a great cook. We purchased lobster from Kuna fishermen and she cooked a delicious meal. We listened to classic rock, blues, and soul music as we sailed. Everyone had a great sense of humor, especially when our friend almost knocked Breeze down with his wobbly flippers. This trip was an anniversary gift to my husband who thoroughly enjoys boating. We have fond memories that we will treasure forever.

Thank you so much for taking your time to write a wonderful review! I'm glad you had such a good time with your sister on your first sailing trip onboard our boat that you came a second time and brought your wife!

My wife and I returned home today from a 4 day/night sailing adventure with Breeze and Debbie on the Blue Sky, a 52 ft ketch. The San Blas area is astounding and this couple know how to show it off! We had a terrific time snorkeling, swimming and beach visiting aboard the Blue Sky. Breeze and Debbie are great host who catered to us landlubbers with patience and enthusiasm. The Kuna culture is fascinating and the Blue sky provides a comfortable way to see the islands and experience Kuna life. Meals are provided on board and the sleeping accommodations are comfortable and the anchorages idyllic. A great way to see the San Blas!

We just came back from Panama where we stayed first and last night in Panama City and 4 nights on board of Blue Sky with Breeze and Debbie. We booked the charter through Latina Yacht but I wish I did more research and find them and book directly. We had perfect weather. Sun, no rain and depending on the day between 5 and 20 knots winds. We sailed about 40 nm in 4 days with speeds of 3-6 knots depending on wind. Blue Sky is not a fast boat but it is very stable. We never had any stomach or head issue. Only one time my daughter had slight headache but she shuldn't stay under the deck and she was fine as soon as she come up.We snorkelled every day, kayaked and swam. We slept like babies in comfortable beds and ate very well. We chose to go from Panama City to Carti and back in a 4x4 because we could choose the departure and return time. Both driver and luncha were on time both ways. We paid $150 for all of us for 4x4 each way, plus entrance fees and luncha.