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Interesting facts about the Panama Canal every sailor must know

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One of the most prestigious and challenging boating spectacles, the Clipper Round the World Race marks its 12th year with another challenge to amateur and professional sailors willing to take the helm over its eight-stop course. On its last leg, sailors will be racing from the U.S. West Coast, down to South America, and conclude on the East Coast. Image source: economictimes.indiatimes.com Bridging the leg is Panama, a world-renowned destination for sailors who want to sail east to west or vice versa through the Panama Canal. According to James Feldkamp, a security expert who will be participating in the race, the Panama Canal has been a key maritime figure. Here are some interesting facts about the Panama Canal that every sailor must know. The original plan was to build the canal in Nicaragua The United States originally wanted to build the canal bridging the Atlantic and the Pacific in Nicaragua. The plan was later on changed thanks to the effort of French engineer P...
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The Clipper Round the World Race: Sailing the South Atlantic

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Traversing the waters of the South Atlantic Ocean constitutes the second leg of the great Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, as competitors depart from South America. They now must find a way to blitz the rolling swells of the South Atlantic on their way to the Southern Ocean. Spinnakers are the most appropriate sails for this crossing, as participants face the Trade Winds and surf down the front of the swells. If done correctly, the boats can run at speeds well above 20 knots. However, yacht crew members must be fully aware that the race is more of a marathon than a sprint; taking great care of their kit is a must as any false turn can rip apart the sail and leave them lagging as they stitch for hours. Massive South Atlantic storms are common, too. Participants have to be alert of incoming weather reports as they follow the route that turns the boats east toward Africa. This navigation of the Southern Cross is nonetheless most welcome: a breathtaking, nature-communing segme...
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Explore China’s Hainan Island: the best things to do

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Hainan Island is located at the Southern end of China, with stunning tropical weather that doesn’t experience winter. James Feldkamp, along with other participants of Clipper Round the World Race, will get to visit this paradise during the fifth leg of the competition. Here are some travel tips in case you find yourself in Hainan Island. Enjoy Coconut Festival. Because of its large production of coconuts, Hainan island is also known as “Coconut Island.” During late March or early April each year, island dwellers hold “Coconut Festival” for the tourists. Visitors can trek to Haikou for the coconut lanterns, or go to Sanya Bay to watch the revered dragon boat race and folk martial arts completion, among other activities. Image source: thetravelintern.com Savor the local flavors. Hainan Island boasts a wide array of tropical fruits such as lychees, bananas, pineapple, and it has a huge selection of seafood. James Feldkamp, as well as the other competitors of the Clipper Ro...
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