Clipper 07-08 fleet closes in on Panama - Race News

Clipper 07-08 fleet closes in on Panama

13 May 2008

Having refuelled in Costa Rica, the first group of yachts in the Clipper 07-08 fleet are making best speed towards Flamenco Marina at the entrance to the Panama Canal where they will gather to prepare for the transit to the Caribbean side and the forthcoming Race 10 to Port Antonio, Jamaica.

New York is expected to arrive first between 0400 and 0500 local time (0900 and 1000 GMT) tomorrow morning.

Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper and Uniquely Singapore are due to follow them into the marina between 1000 and 1100 local time (1500 and 1600 GMT).

Qingdao expects to arrive between 1400 and 1500 local time (1900 and 2000 GMT) with Jamaica arriving late on Wednesday afternoon. Skipper Simon Bradley will revise the estimate of his arrival as he and his crew get closer to Flamenco Marina.

In Banana Bay Marina in Costa Rica, Byron and Paula Grams on Schooner Astor watched as the Clipper yachts arrived to refuel and has sent in some photos.

“Nova Scotia came in at first light this morning and took on their load of fuel and provisions. Hull & Humber came in right after that,” says Byron. “Everyone seemed in great spirits but were really disappointed they could not step off the boat even to walk up to the bar at Banana Bay Marina, let alone have a good look at Golfito.”

The crews had to stay on board while Costa Rican immigration formalities were completed and they were cleared in and out of the country for their whistle-stop visit.

Byron continues, “The official paperwork process is completed faster than the time it takes to fuel. Bags of fresh mangoes, papayas, pineapples and apples are handed over to the crew as well as fresh brewed Costa Rican coffee, cold beer, and the bonus surprise of ice cream cones are dished out as long as the supply holds. Marina Manager Bruce hosted them right. A quick round of internet was enjoyed then lines were cast to get back under way.

“As I type I hear westernaustralia2011.com on the radio so they may not be far behind.”

The second half of the fleet, comprising Nova Scotia, Hull & Humber, Liverpool 08, westernaustralia2011.com and Durban 2010 and Beyond are due to join the rest of the yachts in the Flamenco Marina, Panama, on Thursday 15 May.