Watch FPB 78-1 Cochise transit the Panama Canal, using a unique side thrusting technique to keep the fenders clean…
Yachts transiting the Panama Canal have three choices for position. Center chamber is where you are held in place with four lines. Rafted is where you tie alongside another vessel, typically a tug. Third position is alongside the canal wall. Of the three, the latter is rarely used as it makes a mess of your topsides and/or fenders. But Cochise chose the side-tie method because she could use a combination of counter-rotating props and opposing rudder deflection to create side thrust, thus keeping the topsides well clear of the canal sidewalls.
In the following video, we’ll take you on a tour of the canal, as well as demonstrating our line handling and engine/rudder technique.