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Panama - Return to the Caribbean | Distant Shores | EP 200

February 6, 2021 · 19 min · 41K views · La Playita Marina, Panama City

What this video covers

A 42-foot sailboat transits the Panama Canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic, navigating the Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun locks.0:01 The crew prepares at La Playita Marina in Panama City, contending with a malfunctioning bow thruster and last-minute changes to their transit plan.0:48 Canal authorities require the vessel to raft alongside a tugboat for the ascent, as center-chamber transit is unavailable.4:18 During the descent, an additional fishing boat forces the crew to tie directly to the lock wall, a maneuver they previously avoided due to concerns over turbulence.14:08 A fresh Caribbean breeze catches the bow during the final exit, but the captain uses prop walk in reverse to clear the lock chamber safely.16:58 The transit concludes at Shelter Bay Marina.18:26 The experience demonstrates that canal transit requirements, including tie-up methods and personnel availability, remain subject to change based on traffic and staffing levels.

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