Linehandling in the Panama Canal

"I’ve heard rumors that yachts transiting the Panama Canal will pick up help, in the form of line-handlers, for a transit," write Jeff and Lisa Thayer, who own Jim, an International 470, in Montara. "Our understanding is that four are required, one at each corner of the boat. We would love to experience a Canal transit on a boat, not on a cruise liner. We thought that by offering our services for free, we might be able to get on a boat. Do you have any experience or information that might help us plan such an adventure?"

Four line-handlers are required for a Canal transit, and yes, most cruisers would rather take other sailors for free than have to pay for line-handlers. Sometimes the Canal Commission has yachts do two-day transits, with an overnight in Lake Gatun, so be aware there might be a shack-up involved. But it’s a great experience. The best places to get information on a Canal transit hook-up are the Balboa YC on the Pacific side, and the Shelter Bay Marina on the Caribbean side. But there is also a cruiser net where boatowners put out the call for line-handlers and people request to be line-handlers.

If you’ve line-handled aboard other people’s boats, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Send them to Richard, along with any photos you might have taken.