Sailing Polaris · video

What this video covers

The Caledonian Canal runs 50 nautical miles across the Scottish Highlands, connecting Corpach on the west coast to Inverness on the east.6:01 The route consists of man-made sections and four freshwater lochs—Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, Loch Ness, and Loch Dochfour—situated on a geological fault line.6:36 The passage includes 29 locks and 11 swing bridges, with a speed limit of 5 knots.6:45 Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight locks at Banavie, lifts vessels 20 meters and requires approximately 90 minutes to transit.8:38 Canal staff operate the infrastructure via VHF channel 74.10:34 Maximum vessel dimensions for the canal are 45 meters in length, 10.5 meters in width, 3.8 meters in draft, and 35 meters in mast height.7:00 A 7-day transit license costs 26 pounds and 15 pence per meter of boat length.7:39 The entrance to the River Ness at Inverness features a strong tidal stream and a shallow bar.27:40 Navigating the full canal typically requires several days, depending on bridge and lock traffic.

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