Distant Shores TVvideo
Panama Canal with a Sailboat, Part 2 – Colon to Lake Gatun
3 August 2020 · 28 min · 80K views · Shelter Bay Marina
What this video covers
Cruising sailors preparing for a Panama Canal transit typically stage at Shelter Bay Marina, a full-service facility located at the Atlantic entrance.2:01 The 44.3-mile transit requires two days, with an overnight mooring on Lake Gatun.3:48 Before departure, vessels must undergo an official inspection, receive a ship identification number, and pay transit fees.3:59 Owners are responsible for sourcing four line handlers, training them in bowline knots, and preparing the boat by clearing decks, moving dinghies, and protecting solar panels with fenders.13:53
Upon entering the canal, a Panama Canal Authority advisor boards vessels under 65 feet to provide guidance and manage communications with lock operators.19:30 Yachts are required to raft together in groups of three while navigating the three chambers of the Gatun Locks, which lift vessels 85 feet to the lake level.21:27 Line handlers manage heavy messenger lines thrown from the shore to secure the rafted boats against the lock walls.25:22 Proper preparation and coordination with the advisor ensure a controlled ascent through the locks.
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