Over 10 years were needed to complete the canal's 51.2 miles in 1914 - so avoiding the lengthy and often dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. 'The Big Ditch' lifts our vessel by a fascinating feat of mechanics - aided by on-shore 'mule' locomotives - through three great locks, traversing man-made lakes, channels blasted through rock, and the dense jungle of the Tropics. Most transits of the Panama Canal last around eight hours; not so with the Black Watch. Uniquely, you will take twice as long, giving you the chance to enjoy the Gatun Yacht Club.