Clipper Round the World Race - Three more begin Panama Canal transit

by Clipper Round the World Yacht Race on 10 May 2012 In the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, New York and Qingdao, three of the internationally backed entries, have started their transit of the world famous Panama Canal. They left the marina at 0600 local time (1100 UTC) and will arrive at the Miraflores Locks at around 0730 local (1230 UTC).

Gold Coast Australia, Welcome to Yorkshire, Visit Finland and Geraldton Western Australia completed their transit of the canal last night and are now awaiting the rest of the fleet on the Caribbean side of the canal.

'Another bucket list item ticked off,' exclaims Wayne Reed, a round the world crew member on board Gold Coast Australia.

'Negotiating the locks was an experience not to be missed. Any apprehension was soon dispelled and the whole process was conducted smoothly and efficiently.

'It is hard to come to grips with the fact that the race is soon to end. A little over ten weeks to go until we are back in Southampton and then back to the realities of life - well Click here for the webcams at the Miraflores and Gatun Locks.

Singapore, Derry-Londonderry and De Lage Landen are set to complete their transit on Thursday, leaving the marina at around 0500 local time (1000 UTC).

Once all the teams have completed the journey to the Caribbean side of the canal the fleet will gather and motor offshore around 50 miles for a Le Mans start for Race 11.

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race website