After spending time in the tranquility of the San Blas Islands, a third of the fleet (transit 1) departed Shelter Bay Marina yesterday afternoon. After managing to find time around provisioning, small repairs and general boat jobs, crews enjoyed the activities that Shelter Bay had to offer, including tours to Gatun Locks, rum tastings, a pig roast and a World ARC quiz night.
Following an informative briefing by Event Manager Paul Tetlow on Friday, yesterday afternoon transit 1 yachts set their anchors and awaited canal advisors to board their boats. As the sun was setting, they entered Gatun Locks (many sounding their fog horns) parallel to impressive cargo ships that dwarfed the fleet as they entered the first lock of the canal.
After rising through 3 levels of Gatun Locks, the fleet anchored and waited until this morning to continue their adventure into the Pacific Ocean and see the impressive skyline of Panama City.
For friends and family following their progress, live webcams are available online to view the fleet passing through Miraflores Locks where they are expected from Midday Panama LT (UTC - 5) onwards today.
‘ http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html '
With transit 2 yachts already in Shelter Bay Marina and many of transit 3 yachts already arrived, an exciting atmosphere accompanied by a fun programme of activities including a titanic night, treasure hunt and horse racing evening with themed menus throughout will entertain the remaining transit groups whilst in Shelter Bay Marina before continuing their circumnavigation adventure into the Pacific.