Fishing Frenzy

San Blas is a group of 365 islands in the Caribbean along the northern coastline of Panama. They are fabulous destination for sailing yachts or for those wanting to charter a yacht locally, bareboat or crewed. Splendidly safe, turquoise waters surround the islands. There are many fine spots for anchoring. The island group lies just north from the equator and enjoys balmy, tropical weather all year round. However, perhaps the major attraction of sailing San Blas, however, is the indigenous Kuna people and their fascinating culture.

Wake in the morning prepared for your soul to soar with a dazzling sunrise. Take pleasure in a quick dip then enjoy breakfast on deck with fresh fruit, scrumptious sweet breads and fresh coffee, all sourced locally. Check the weather forecast and your marine charts then head off to explore the neighboring bay or one of many surrounding isles.

The San Blas is home for the Kuna, a distinctive cultural group of people with its own language. Their ancestry dates to before the arrival of the early Spanish explorers during the 1500s. The Kuna have proudly retained their traditions despite regrettable mistreatment and discrimination by the Spanish conquistadors and some modern Panamanian governments. The Kuna are commercially shrewd and have a culture that values selling goods through their own businesses and venues.

Drop anchor, launch the dinghy and row to a picture perfect beach. Walk along the virgin sand where the only footprints will be your own, mixed perhaps with those of some small crabs that, as you approach, scurry into the gentle waves that lap the shore. Lie on the beach and feel your body draw warmth from the sand as your mind slowly drifts away into idle thoughts.

The Kuna achieved a form of semi-independence status in 1925. Today they are structured into 49 nine separate communities each with its own political organization. A chief known as a Saila functions as both the political and spiritual leader of that community. They are largely self-governed through the Kuna General Congress which itself is headed by three Great Sailas (or Saila Dummagan).

The San Blas is home for the Kuna, a proud people with an ancestry that dates back over 500 years. They Kuna have fiercely retained their culture despite domination by early Spanish conquistadors and, in modern times, by several Panamanian governments. Having suffered regrettable exploitation through most of their history, the Kuna protect their islands guardedly. They are commercially savvy and have a longstanding preference for trading goods through family owned establishments.

Women hold a special place in the Kuna culture. Families are matrilineal, meaning a bridegroom moves to become part of the family of the bride. He also takes the last name of that family. Women wear brightly colored dresses or molas with ornamental beads on their lower legs and arms. They favor certain colors including fuchsia, orange, yellow and gray. These traditional outfits are distinctive and constitute a textile art form that speaks to the pride women take in their appearance.

Women wear traditional dress that features brightly colored clothing and beads wrapped around the length of their lower arms and legs. Dominant colors include orange, fuchsia, gray and yellow. Their intriguing culture is an added attraction that will captivate those keen to enjoy sailing San Blas.