Hello Caribbean! Canal Crossing Day Two

After a rainy night on Gatun Lake we awoke to another beautiful day. Our advisor joined us in the late morning.and we quickly progressed to the Gatun Locks which would take us from the lake down to the Caribbean Sea in two steps. The mood was upbeat and this time we were to be "center lock", a position which requires all four line handlers to retrieve thrown lines and tie them off to our lines. The thrown lines have a "monkey fist", a knot on the end to give the line proper weight for longer cast.

Monkey Fist knot on the end of the lines thrown by the canal workers.

The thrown lines are then tied off to our lines and pulled back to the lock sides.

These lines are then pulled back to the sides of the locks where four canal staff walk along the locks until we get into position. Then the lines are tied off and as the boat is lowered in the lock our line handlers have to play out the lines slowly, keeping the boat safely positioned in the center of the lock.

Transiting "center lock" from Gatun lake to the Caribbean Sea.

Canal workers toss the monkey fist. Line handlers stay out of the way and then grab the line after it hits the deck.

Smaller line is attached to the larger one and pulled back to the side. Shannon demonstrates a good bowline knot that does the job.

Bob and Irma of S/V Gaia 

Going up from the Pacific to Gatun lake we were positioned behind the large ship, but going down from Gatun lake to the Caribbean we traveled in front of the ship. 

Not a view I ever again want to have of a ship this large! 

Lowering us in two locks from the lake to the sea.

First glimpse of the Caribbean Sea.

Through  the locks and cruising on to Shelter Bay marina.

The crew of S/V Sirena makes a successful transit!