Thanks for the great Video. We took our KP 44 through the canal 5X. That was back when once you were ad-measured, it only cost about $100 to to through! We loved Panama so much that we were going to stay 2 wks but stayed 2 yrs! Loved both sides (and the middle). We did all methods of going through but I thinks I likes tying to a Tug the best. But they all worked and we never had any problems. And of course, once we had done it a couple of times it became more easy. Love your vessel.
Best transit video I have seen through the Panama Canal. Your videography and narration are excellent and so professional. Thank you from London, for a great experience and understanding of this process.
I was impressed with the Limone bay pilot transfer. The “catcher” put a grip on the ferry pilot that would have brought her aboard one way or another. I want him if I ever have to do that.
Wow - so glad to see you guys still sailing, and in these times... and I always learn SOOOO much from you. Not a boater (yet), but you guys are inspiring!
Ahoy me maties and salty wenches.. This was a excellent video and chocked full of adventures. Guess that dream of doing the crossing in a 18' Grumman square stern canoe is gonna be one dream of always in my heart. Sail on and fair winds to you both
Hola Distant Shores! Sorry for the change of plans but life goes on and so does the exploring. We're in Linton Bay and hope to see you both here or in Kuna Yala. Keep a look out for Graceland the orange cutter.
We went through the canal in the center and again tied to a tug. I far prefer being tied to the tug as there was less problems with the regular turbulence. That was a nice maneuver to enter the Atlantic backwards!👍✌️😊🙏🏼⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️
Hi Tomás! Tying to the tug was fine going up, we just had trouble manouevring in the confined space tying and untying to the tug in every lock in the confined space. The first time through we were in a raft of 3 yachts and just stayed rafted.
Changing gears, I wonder if Sheryl and Paul have viewed the documentary on the Yacht Alioth transiting the Northwest Passage? Quite the trip, not without challenges, but Paul and Sheryl have the skill set. Make a heck of a video.
Years ago my wife and I took a cruise and part of the cruise was a transit of the Panama Canal. The cruise line chartered a local Panamanian tourist boat and we transited the canal from west to east in one day during daylight. When we arrived at the Atlantic side we disembarked to buses and were taken back to the cruise ship on the pacific side. It was exciting to see it from a small boat perspective in your video. What’s the latest on your new boat?
When I was stationed at Quarry Heights, 1973-76, we would rent special services 12 ft fishing boats and go fishing in Gatun Lake by the Smithsonian island. There would be a deep rumbling, then a giant ship would seem to emerge from the jungle. It would massively tower above us and then disappear back into jungle. Just to use a small boat in the canal, you had to pass a fairly comprehensive test including tug towing light displays.
The 48V battery bank died during lockdown. New lithium batteries are arriving by ship in a couple of weeks. Without the 48V bank, we can't run our thrusters which are key with our twin rudders and no prop wash at low speed such as manouevring in a lock.
You’re old Panama Canal hands now. Welcome back? 😀 Bats hold special significance in some cultures. I had a similar type experience with a bat one time. Perhaps over sundowners I’ll tell you. Did you sell the boat? Hope I’m remembering correctly. Smooth sailing!
A question Paul and Sheryl . . . . is there a reason they don’t place you in front of the larger vessel in the locks? It seems like it would be safer to avoid the prop-wash if the smaller vessel entered first. Always learning something from your video’s . . . . .
French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia and many South Pacific Islands remain locked down so we decided to postpone our Pacific cruise, like most cruising sailors are doing this year, and returning to the Caribbean for the rest of the winter to cruise the San Blas and Bocas Del Toro Islands of Panama.
Awesome video! Q: Could you requested that the two larger boats (the tug and fishing vessel) be placed against the wall with you tied up to either of the two vessels toward the center? Or would that have caused a delay for you? Also are hoping to sell Distant Shores on the west side of the Atlantic or do you have any plans to sail her across the Atlantic? Thanks for sharing your adventures. See you in the next video. 👍👍😀⛵😀⛵👍👍
Keeping up with your lock buddies at 7knts would make most small sailboats boats struggle as most cruise between 5-6knts. If you fall behind do you have to go another day?
The published minimum speed the canal will accept is 5 knots. But we were booked on a 1 day transit and had to keep up with our ship (hence 7 knots). If you're slower then I think they would just put you on the mooring bow in Lake Gatun for the night.
We are still waiting for the new lithium batteries for our 48V battery bank to arrive which operate the thrusters. With the threat of severe quarantine and months in a very expensive marina we decided it was time to move. We wouldn't have had trouble if we'd done centre chamber line handling as we'd requested. They didn't tell us until we arrived at the first lock that they weren't going to be able to centre chamber. We managed - not a scratch - but it was a rather exciting day!
French Polynesia and NZ/Australia and many South Pacific Islands remain locked down so we decided to postpone a South Pacific cruise as most sailors are doing this year and return to the Caribbean for the rest of the winter to cruise the San Blas and Bocas Del Toro Islands.
Yes, French Polynesia and NZ/Australia and many South Pacific Islands remain locked down so we decided to return to the Caribbean for the rest of the winter to cruise the San Blas and Bocas Del Toro Islands.
I wish they would tell of future plans I’m guessing the U turn is because of pandemic and crossing pacific is to unknown , but still a little update would be nice
Hi Carol, Sorry we didn't repeat the reason for our return to the Caribbean in this video. We have given it in previous videos. French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia continue to be locked down so we are postponing our South Pacific cruise and cruising the San Blas Islands and Bocas Del Toro Islands of Panama on the Caribbean coast this winter. Our new battery bank is arriving by ship in Colon on the Caribbean coast as well.
Gee, was it about a year ago that you went through the other way? And you may have answered this in a past episode, but have you gone through the canal prior to this back and forth? If so, the terrain must be getting pretty familiar! Scott W
The requirement is you must have 4 line handlers plus the skipper. So we needed 3 additional people as handlers. If you have your own friends along then they would count. Just need to train then to catch a rope and tie a bowline :-)
This video and your channel is amazing! We just discovered you today. My wife and I are living in Panama and are learning how to sail. It is our goal to buy a boat and cruise the Caribbean and beyond. We would love to learn more about you! Please contact us if you are anywhere near Panama!
Basic cost for the boat charged by Panama Canal was $1600 which includes the advisor. On top of that we also rented the huge lines/fenders through our agent who also found our 3 line handlers.
All this work to get to the Pacific Ocean and now return without sailing and exploring that side of the planet ?! Must feel terribly frustrating? Is it only covid that makes you set course for the Caribbean and domestic waters?
Hi there, congrats and thanks for the awesome video's. I was wondering if the integrel system still pleases you ? You have it for about 2 years now if I'm not mistaking. Would you install it again ? Grtz, Bob (Belgium)
It depends on the size of the ship and how much gear you rent and help you hire. And with covid going on im sure things have changed. I can't speak for them, but for a boat that size my estimate would be low to mid-thousands. I'd be surprised if it was lower than 1000 and I'd be surprised if it was above 4000.
Vic, the canal toll for our 48 foot yacht is 1600 US dollars but with the additional charges for inspections, line/fender rental, line handlers, etc. the total bill was about $3,000 US. Not cheap but your costs would be more to sail around the Cape and South America.
Cargo ships are losing containers all the time and when they do there are reports of the positions they were lost so you can avoid the area or be on extra lookout. However at night it is impossible to see and they can be lying just below the surface. It is a worry but the chances of hitting one is slim but it does happen.
"Something fell out of the sky, and it was a bat!" Man you guys made the right choice to throw that dude right over the side. Not today! We don't need a Covid19 2.0!
That was the most puzzling event of the day. Did it die and fall out of the sky? Did a bird drop it? What the heck?! We certainly weren't going to let it stay on board. Thanks for agreeing, @TrustTheAlgorithm
Hi, is that an obligation to take the girl and the boys with you? Is that paid as a part of what you have to pay to pass the cannal or they are other payment?
When you pay the canal fee ($1600 for us) then you get the Adviser (in this case the girl Kirsty) and we also hired the handlers to get us to the required 4 handlers per sailboat. You could also just use friends.
Its a shame your not wearing suitable masks to protect those on board whom have come to help you, your face covering offers almost zero protection. Good to see sensible crew
I agree... but in Panama the law says you have to wear a mask when you leave your house! Ridiculous overkill of course... but in the canal with advisor and visiting crew aboard it was required
Good job and quick thinking to reverse out...... it’s not your first day on the helm! 😜
That could be a first. The only Captain to reverse out of the Panama Canal. Top job!
Our Canal Advisor thought it was a first 😊 but I'm sure there have been lots of boats that have got turned around in the wind and/or turbulence.
Distant Shores was pointed the same direction going in as going out! I don't think she/DS really wanted to go back to a Caribbean! lol
Thanks for the great Video. We took our KP 44 through the canal 5X. That was back when once you were ad-measured, it only cost about $100 to to through!
We loved Panama so much that we were going to stay 2 wks but stayed 2 yrs! Loved both sides (and the middle). We did all methods of going through but I thinks I likes tying to a Tug the best. But they all worked and we never had any problems. And of course, once we had done it a couple of times it became more easy. Love your vessel.
Hello Fred how are you doing😊
Best transit video I have seen through the Panama Canal.
Your videography and narration are excellent and so professional.
Thank you from London, for a great experience and understanding of this process.
Enjoy the music and great way to see how the canal works thanks for sharing
Very interesting video, as always! Paul, you need a real mask. Stay safe folks!
No mater where you are or what your doing we always learn something from your videos. Thanks and stay safe.
Thanks, will do!
Hello Frank how are you doing😊
This the best canal crossing video we have seen thanks Paul & Sheryl
Wow, thank you Mario!
Informative video, good thing the line handlers had correct PPE.
I bet you hear this a lot, but you guys are awesome.
I was impressed with the Limone bay pilot transfer. The “catcher” put a grip on the ferry pilot that would have brought her aboard one way or another. I want him if I ever have to do that.
Yeaaah.....Im gonna go ahead and stay on the Caribbean side.....mmmm k......
Well so much for a relaxing video while I have my breakfast😳😳
Relaxing videos coming up as we prepare to cruise the San Blas and Bocas Del Toro Islands, Jeffrey! 😎
Seems like quite the undertaking! Thanks for sharing the process. I enjoyed the time-lapse showing the water levels. Nice job backing out too :-)
Thanks for watching, Bethany! So glad you enjoyed the video.
I'm watching you from Russia. Thank you so much for the video! I hope to meet you at sea!
Good luck to you!
I hope so too! Thanks!
Always a good time with the Shards!
Thanks!\
Good last minute boat handleing.
To them, your just another boat.
To you, its your yacht.
Interesting video! and yeah! great job maneuvering!
Thanks for sharing, definitely exciting.
Our pleasure!
Thank you for such beautiful video.
Judging from Paul’s eyes, that was a little stressful! Very interesting passage. Getting up at 2 am doesn’t help!!
Too right Gareth!!! But actually I didn't mind the 2AM bit since it was very cool coming in through the Port in the dark.
Time doesn't matter to a 'Blue water' sailor.
Losing the bow in the wind in a lock... good grief! Felt the stress. Thanks for sharing that. I’ve had to back out of my fairway in a pinch.
Glad you made it. i have watched quite a few Videos on going through the Canal and the Handlers always seem so nice and Friendly.
love this show
The music complete with police sirens was "intriguing!!" Sometimes less is more :-)
Enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks!
So glad!
This process is just so amazing, and frightening! But we knew it had a happy ending, thanks to your seasoned experience.
Glad you enjoyed it! Hugs to you both!
Wow - so glad to see you guys still sailing, and in these times... and I always learn SOOOO much from you. Not a boater (yet), but you guys are inspiring!
Great job-looking forward to your Caribbean videos!
Very nice and informative transit summary..
Thanks Frans! Glad you enjoyed it.
Gosh it feels like only yesterday that i saw them going through westward! Come back soon!
Super interesting.. thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it.
So similar to the Welland here in Canada. Thanks for taking us all along.
Our pleasure! The Welland is one canal we haven't done :-)
Ahoy me maties and salty wenches.. This was a excellent video and chocked full of adventures. Guess that dream of doing the crossing in a 18' Grumman square stern canoe is gonna be one dream of always in my heart. Sail on and fair winds to you both
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video, I would not have thought of turning the boat around and backing out.
Great job Captain...and Crew!
Very nicely done transit., impressed with your seamanship.
Glad you liked it. Thanks George.
Very educational ,safe travels 🙏 👍
Thanks, Thomas!
Hola Distant Shores! Sorry for the change of plans but life goes on and so does the exploring. We're in Linton Bay and hope to see you both here or in Kuna Yala. Keep a look out for Graceland the orange cutter.
This is an amazing channel. Keep going, guys !
Safer in the Caribbean for sure
Thank you for another great video!
Our pleasure!
Glad to see you all again. Was wondering what you're all up to your friend Captain Cooke,
God bless you and may he keep you safe...
Thank you, Alex.
Wow, wonderful video
The FV Ava Grace, on her way from Seward AK to her normal fishing grounds on the east coast. There's an adventure!
We went through the canal in the center and again tied to a tug. I far prefer being tied to the tug as there was less problems with the regular turbulence. That was a nice maneuver to enter the Atlantic backwards!👍✌️😊🙏🏼⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️
Hi Tomás! Tying to the tug was fine going up, we just had trouble manouevring in the confined space tying and untying to the tug in every lock in the confined space. The first time through we were in a raft of 3 yachts and just stayed rafted.
Great video!
Hi Ralph! Glad you enjoyed it. BTW we're moored here next to a Voyage 500 cat so have been reminiscing about the cruise in the BVI :-)
reminds me of my days as a lock and dam operator on the Mississippi. #1 & 2. that was a good job. too bad it was only temporary employment.
Changing gears, I wonder if Sheryl and Paul have viewed the documentary on the Yacht Alioth transiting the Northwest Passage? Quite the trip, not without challenges, but Paul and Sheryl have the skill set. Make a heck of a video.
Que cool mr. Es increíble, saludos!
Did the canal about 10 times whilst working on the Pacific Princess “The Love Boat” way back in 1987. Lovely memories. Thank you. #MaltaAnyTimeSoon?
That's awesome! Indeed its exciting!
thank you ! sooo interesting !
Sorry you guys didn't't make it to Calif. Just bad timing with Covid.
Years ago my wife and I took a cruise and part of the cruise was a transit of the Panama Canal. The cruise line chartered a local Panamanian tourist boat and we transited the canal from west to east in one day during daylight. When we arrived at the Atlantic side we disembarked to buses and were taken back to the cruise ship on the pacific side. It was exciting to see it from a small boat perspective in your video. What’s the latest on your new boat?
What a great way to experience the canal transit! Thanks for sharing your experience.
When I was stationed at Quarry Heights, 1973-76, we would rent special services 12 ft fishing boats and go fishing in Gatun Lake by the Smithsonian island. There would be a deep rumbling, then a giant ship would seem to emerge from the jungle. It would massively tower above us and then disappear back into jungle. Just to use a small boat in the canal, you had to pass a fairly comprehensive test including tug towing light displays.
Good show. Did you guys get to do any exploring while in Panama? Contadora perhaps?
Thanks for a great episode! What kind of boat Will it be now? A Najad?
We're building a custom aluminum hulled cruising boat for the next boat. Can't wait!
@@DistantShoresTV wow, that is awesome! ⛵️
@@DistantShoresTV Wich design? lengh?
So how much does this canal transit cost and how do you pay and in what currency.
Hello Norman how are you doing😊
What happened to your batteries? Did you get new batteries?
The 48V battery bank died during lockdown. New lithium batteries are arriving by ship in a couple of weeks. Without the 48V bank, we can't run our thrusters which are key with our twin rudders and no prop wash at low speed such as manouevring in a lock.
Hello how are you doing😊
The sun looked to be rising over Paul's shoulder. Was that city lights or did the river meander before the first locks?
Hello Alex how are you doing😊
You’re old Panama Canal hands now. Welcome back? 😀
Bats hold special significance in some cultures. I had a similar type experience with a bat one time. Perhaps over sundowners I’ll tell you.
Did you sell the boat? Hope I’m remembering correctly. Smooth sailing!
Thanks Tom. I'd like to here the bat story someday at sundowners. Yes we have a pending offer on the boat now...
A question Paul and Sheryl . . . . is there a reason they don’t place you in front of the larger vessel in the locks? It seems like it would be safer to avoid the prop-wash if the smaller vessel entered first. Always learning something from your video’s . . . . .
On the way up you go behind but then on the way down you go in front.... glad you enjoyed it 😅💕
I would like to see more of those videos where you dock sailboats and show how to maneuver in close quarters .
I think I missed something? why the U turn and back through to the Caribbean?
French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia and many South Pacific Islands remain locked down so we decided to postpone our Pacific cruise, like most cruising sailors are doing this year, and returning to the Caribbean for the rest of the winter to cruise the San Blas and Bocas Del Toro Islands of Panama.
Awesome video! Q: Could you requested that the two larger boats (the tug and fishing vessel) be placed against the wall with you tied up to either of the two vessels toward the center? Or would that have caused a delay for you?
Also are hoping to sell Distant Shores on the west side of the Atlantic or do you have any plans to sail her across the Atlantic? Thanks for sharing your adventures. See you in the next video. 👍👍😀⛵😀⛵👍👍
Keeping up with your lock buddies at 7knts would make most small sailboats boats struggle as most cruise between 5-6knts. If you fall behind do you have to go another day?
The published minimum speed the canal will accept is 5 knots. But we were booked on a 1 day transit and had to keep up with our ship (hence 7 knots). If you're slower then I think they would just put you on the mooring bow in Lake Gatun for the night.
Did you sell the boat?
A sale is pending a survey, Karen.
Why didn’t you troubleshoot your bow thruster before leaving ?
We are still waiting for the new lithium batteries for our 48V battery bank to arrive which operate the thrusters. With the threat of severe quarantine and months in a very expensive marina we decided it was time to move. We wouldn't have had trouble if we'd done centre chamber line handling as we'd requested. They didn't tell us until we arrived at the first lock that they weren't going to be able to centre chamber. We managed - not a scratch - but it was a rather exciting day!
Why did you go bacK?
French Polynesia and NZ/Australia and many South Pacific Islands remain locked down so we decided to postpone a South Pacific cruise as most sailors are doing this year and return to the Caribbean for the rest of the winter to cruise the San Blas and Bocas Del Toro Islands.
What are the tariffs for transiting the Canal?
Your plans have changed, are you planning to stay on the Atlantic for some time?
Yes, French Polynesia and NZ/Australia and many South Pacific Islands remain locked down so we decided to return to the Caribbean for the rest of the winter to cruise the San Blas and Bocas Del Toro Islands.
Hello how are you doing😊
I wish they would tell of future plans I’m guessing the U turn is because of pandemic and crossing pacific is to unknown , but still a little update would be nice
Hi Carol, Sorry we didn't repeat the reason for our return to the Caribbean in this video. We have given it in previous videos. French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia continue to be locked down so we are postponing our South Pacific cruise and cruising the San Blas Islands and Bocas Del Toro Islands of Panama on the Caribbean coast this winter. Our new battery bank is arriving by ship in Colon on the Caribbean coast as well.
@@DistantShoresTV So sad about no Pacific crossing but really looking forward to seeing you do San Blas vlogs.
Stay safe 👍
Gee, was it about a year ago that you went through the other way? And you may have answered this in a past episode, but have you gone through the canal prior to this back and forth? If so, the terrain must be getting pretty familiar! Scott W
Do you request a certain number of lock crew or are they assigned to you?
The requirement is you must have 4 line handlers plus the skipper. So we needed 3 additional people as handlers. If you have your own friends along then they would count. Just need to train then to catch a rope and tie a bowline :-)
@@DistantShoresTV
Thank you. Stay safe.
Happy sailing.
have a nice day. you were going to sell Distant Shores III as far as I understood. have your plans changed?)
That's the plan! Actually the boat is currently under offer...
Didn't say how much it cost?
This video and your channel is amazing! We just discovered you today. My wife and I are living in Panama and are learning how to sail. It is our goal to buy a boat and cruise the Caribbean and beyond. We would love to learn more about you! Please contact us if you are anywhere near Panama!
How much did it cost?
yea, how much did it cost ?......
Yes, how much did it cost?
Basic cost for the boat charged by Panama Canal was $1600 which includes the advisor. On top of that we also rented the huge lines/fenders through our agent who also found our 3 line handlers.
@@DistantShoresTV So total cost was?
👍
All this work to get to the Pacific Ocean and now return without sailing and exploring that side of the planet ?! Must feel terribly frustrating? Is it only covid that makes you set course for the Caribbean and domestic waters?
Hi there, congrats and thanks for the awesome video's. I was wondering if the integrel system still pleases you ? You have it for about 2 years now if I'm not mistaking. Would you install it again ? Grtz, Bob (Belgium)
Yes, absolutely! It was worked great and I've been happy not to have to service a genset.
What is the cost for passage thru the channel?
It depends on the size of the ship and how much gear you rent and help you hire. And with covid going on im sure things have changed.
I can't speak for them, but for a boat that size my estimate would be low to mid-thousands. I'd be surprised if it was lower than 1000 and I'd be surprised if it was above 4000.
Vic, the canal toll for our 48 foot yacht is 1600 US dollars but with the additional charges for inspections, line/fender rental, line handlers, etc. the total bill was about $3,000 US. Not cheap but your costs would be more to sail around the Cape and South America.
@@DistantShoresTV wow that is not cheap. I guess that explains why some sailors go around the horn of South Africa and America.
@@DistantShoresTV Why not Mexico?
Hi guys I'm looking for cheoy Lee ketch 45 to 53 project is okay to if you know any please let me know thanks 👍🙏.
how does it effect your travel to know some cargo ship lost cargo containers? do you any experience with that?
Cargo ships are losing containers all the time and when they do there are reports of the positions they were lost so you can avoid the area or be on extra lookout. However at night it is impossible to see and they can be lying just below the surface. It is a worry but the chances of hitting one is slim but it does happen.
Cost ?
their account of their earlier transit covers this.
While you keep traveling making wonderful videos, please don’t forget to several probiotics each other.
"Something fell out of the sky, and it was a bat!"
Man you guys made the right choice to throw that dude right over the side. Not today! We don't need a Covid19 2.0!
That was the most puzzling event of the day. Did it die and fall out of the sky? Did a bird drop it? What the heck?! We certainly weren't going to let it stay on board. Thanks for agreeing, @TrustTheAlgorithm
Hi, is that an obligation to take the girl and the boys with you? Is that paid as a part of what you have to pay to pass the cannal or they are other payment?
When you pay the canal fee ($1600 for us) then you get the Adviser (in this case the girl Kirsty) and we also hired the handlers to get us to the required 4 handlers per sailboat. You could also just use friends.
Weird side note. I saw a taxi cap driver jump to his death from the Bridge of Americas. Strange comment, but whatever.
Crikey, that’s a bonkers amount of ads!
Boring...
Its a shame your not wearing suitable masks to protect those on board whom have come to help you, your face covering offers almost zero protection. Good to see sensible crew
Wearing masks in a marina? Give me a break. Hope you’re not gonna wear them out at sea.
I agree... but in Panama the law says you have to wear a mask when you leave your house! Ridiculous overkill of course... but in the canal with advisor and visiting crew aboard it was required
Is it customary to tip your Panama crew?