Clipper fleet complete Panama Canal transit

by Clipper Event media on 19 May 2008 This morning’s rain-soaked departure from Flamenco Marina, Panama, of Liverpool 08, Qingdao, Jamaica and Nova Scotia to begin their transit of the Panama Canal means all ten of the internationally-backed yachts of the Clipper 07-08 fleet are almost ready to begin the next stage of the 35,000-mile race around the world.

Race 10 will take them from Colon, Panama, to Port Antonio, Jamaica, where final preparations are under way to host the fleet in the Errol Flynn Marina.

Nova Scotia skipper, Rob McInally, said, 'I have never been through the Canal before. I’m very excited, in particular about going through the lake in between the locks. It’s amazing to think we’ll be 26 metres above sea level and still sailing around the world.'

Nova Scotia crew member, Paul McGillivary, whose grandfather was born and raised on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, said, 'I’m not going to miss a minute of this. I’ve worked in the marine industry for 35 years and I’ve never been through the Panama Canal, so I can’t wait.'

The crew of Jamaica in particular are looking forward to Race 10. Skipper Simon Bradley says, 'This is the one we’ve been waiting for. We’re determined to come in first into our home port and we know there’s a great Jamaican welcome waiting for us in Port Antonio.'

The yachts are due to arrive in Jamaica on approximately Thursday 22 May at the end of the 590-mile upwind race.

http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/