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The Gemini spacecraft initially comes down on its parachute in what is referred to as a "single point suspension," where the spacecraft is attached to the parachute lines at a single point at the center of the forward end of the re-entry control system section. After a time, the spacecraft transitions to a two-point suspension, where the spacecraft is attached to the parachute lines at points at the forward and aft ends of the spacecraft, so it impacts the water "hatches up."

During the time that the spacecraft is in the single point configuration, the parachute lines (or "bridles") for the two-point configuration run through the "jog" in the metal ring near the 2:00 position in dsc62608.jpg and are stowed in the bridle trough that runs between the hatches toward the aft end of the spacecraft.

Here we see additional detail of the forward end of the bridle trough and the forward bridle disconnection, used in the transition from a single to a two point suspension.