The
Spanish word "palanca" means "lever." It is said that in the
early days of Spanish trade in the Mexican Caribbean there was a rum factory or some sort
of rum supply house by the lagoon at the southern tip of Cozumel. Thirsty sailors
anchored their sailing vessels outside the reef and rowed into the lagoon to get their
rum. The enormous reef blocking the big ships from getting to the lagoon was
(probably not so affectionately) named "Palancar" after the pulling of the oars
(levers) necessary to get to the rum.
In idiomatic
Spanish "palanca" has come to mean "influence" or "pull" in
the sense of power. In the case of Palancar Reef this is a most appropriate
definition, because, although there is little rowing these days along the reef (we shall
avoid cataloging incidents of disabled dive boats for the moment), Palancar exerts a pull
on divers and snorkelers who experience it. Palancar Reef, part of the second
largest barrier reef system in the world, is considered to be one of (if not THE) best
dive destinations in the world. Once you dive Palancar, you will never forget it,
and it pulls most divers back again and again to explore its awesome landscapes and marine
life.
"Palancasa"
is a play on "palanca" and the Spanish word for house: "casa."
The name reflects the location of Casa Gordon, the flagship property of Palancasa, S.A. de
C.V., on Palancar Beach, but the house also exerts an influence or pull on those who
experience it. Perhaps you will feel a bit of this "palanca" as you
explore this web site. We hope you will!
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