Sailing Jibseavideo

THE REALITY OF CROSSING THE PANAMA CANAL - Ep 207

8 September 2024 · 15 min · 28K views · Panama Canal

What this video covers

A 51-foot Leopard catamaran transits the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean over two days, requiring an official canal advisor and four line handlers.0:04 The crew manages heavy lines by tying bowlines to messenger lines thrown from the lock walls, which are then hauled up by lock attendants to secure the vessel.6:15 During the transit, the boat enters a series of locks—Gatton, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores—to navigate an 85-foot elevation change between the oceans and Gatton Lake.12:41 Because sailboats cannot transit the canal overnight, the vessel anchors in Gatton Lake for the evening.8:14 The process involves significant waiting periods for tanker traffic and advisor coordination, requiring the crew to maintain precise speed and positioning. Line handlers must adjust tension on the lines as water levels rise or fall within the chambers.6:25 The transit concludes in the Pacific Ocean, where the advisor departs the vessel.14:36 Proper line management and coordination with the canal advisor are essential for navigating the locks safely.

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Leopard 50Toured

More from Sailing Jibsea

Our Backyard Is Norway’s Most Iconic Fjord - Ep 286Sept 2026The Unpredictable Dangers of Sailing Norway's Fjords - Ep 285Sept 2026HOVERAir X1 PROMAX: 3 Month Honest Drone ReviewAug 2026The REAL Reason We Had to Sail to Norway - Ep 284Aug 2026

From Sailing Jibsea — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue