Sailing Big Lost · video

What this video covers

The crew of Big Lost transits the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific, beginning the process with a 4:30 a.m. departure from the marina.1:17 The vessel takes on a canal advisor, Juan Luis, to navigate the three-lock ascent that lifts the boat 85 feet.1:11 Line handlers manage the vessel's position within the locks, where the crew experiences strong currents and wind that complicate station-keeping. After completing the first set of locks, the boat motors 20 nautical miles across the canal system to reach the final set of locks.6:19 The descent toward the Pacific requires precise engine control, including slow reverse maneuvers on the starboard engine to counter wind and current forces.8:20 The transit concludes as the vessel exits the final lock into the Pacific Ocean.12:26 The experience highlights the necessity of managing line tension and engine power to maintain control against the turbulent water movement inside the lock chambers.

More from Sailing Big Lost

We Wanted a Different Life… This Is Where It Took UsSept 2026Some Problems Follow You Across OceansAug 2026We Came to Tahiti to Fix One Problem…Aug 2026We Needed to Leave… But the Weather Had Other PlansAug 2026

From Sailing Big Lost — 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.