JAMAICA will arrive in Panama this evening. Also, offers for visitors to Port Antonio.

The fleet is approaching Panama after their long journey motoring down the West Coast of North America. Having made a detour into Banana Bay Marina, Costa Rica in order to refuel, the fleet will start arriving from 10:00 GMT today, with JAMAICA expected to arrive this evening.

It is hoped that the rest of the yachts will arrive in the Flamenco Marina, Panama, on Thursday 15 May. There they will gather to prepare for the transit to the Caribbean side and the forthcoming Race 10 to Port Antonio, Jamaica, where they will be met by the new crew joining JAMAICA for the final leg, leg 7, as well as many family and friends who are travelling to Jamaica for her "home port" visit.

For those crew members, family and friends visiting Jamaica, please find below a number of special events which have been generously offered by Shireen and Barbara of the beautiful Mocking Bird Hill hotel to make your stay even more special :

Welcome cocktail at the hotel Mocking Bird Hill.

Please note this will now take place on Tuesday 20th May at 18:30. All crew, friends and family welcome. This has kindly been offered by the Mocking Bird Hill hotel who have also organised many other events for us. Pleae note they have one room available next week so anyone still needing accommodation please contact them direct - see contact details below.

Shuttle service

A shuttle service that will be offered from between the hotels and the Marina. This service will be offered between 6.00 - 10.00 AM and then again in the afternoon from 4.00 -8.00 pm. The price per person will be US$ 7.00 (one-way based on minimum 2 persons on any given shuttle) from Mocking Bird Hill.

The shuttle will begin from Goblin Hill and also stop at Fern Hill, Frenchman's Cove and Mocking Bird Hill, Jamaica Palace, Faith Cottage, Match Resort.

The fare will be US$ 10.00 per person for the hotels further away, that is Frenchman's Cove, Fern Hill, Goblin Hill. Between 10.00 AM and 4.00 PM guests can order regular taxi transfers.

Welcome breakfast

Welcome Breakfast on expected day of arrival; we can only determine this day closer to the time. They will be offering a lovely, hearty breakfast buffet with Jamaican specialities and a wide selection of home baked breads, homemade jams, cheese plate with fresh local goat cheese, quiches, eggs to order, fresh juices, famous Blue Mountain coffee and pastries. A Mento band, (local folk music ) with the famous Jolly Boys will welcome the participants and help them to find their "feet" on land again.

Dinner at Mocking Bird Hill

Complimentary Shuttle from either the Marina or the other hotels for dinner service at the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill. Guests are requested to please indicate if they want the shuttle service when making their dinner reservations tel. 993 7267 or 993 7133.

Art gallery visit and afternoon tea

Mocking Bird Hill will be arranging a special art show with works from various local artists. Guests might want to combine this either with lunch ( they can also use the pool and swim) or afternoon tea served between 3.30 - 5.00pm. Guests can enjoy a spread with home baked cakes, fruit tartlets, smoked Marlin on Toast, Goat cheese (Chevre) on home baked breads, Muffins, Scones or Waffles with a selection of home made jams and cream, Solomon Gundy on crackers and open sandwiches with homemade egg or liver pate. Our selection may vary depending on the availability of particular products. Price US$ 25.00 per person -

Introductory culinary session to Jamaican cuisine

With prior reservation, our chefs offer an introduction to Jamaican cuisine. A group of friends can have fun cooking a traditional Jamaican lunch together and then enjoying what they have cooked. We have a choice of 2-3 menus that they can select from. Price varies accordingly.

Massages

A visit to the hotel can be combined with a relaxing massage which can be booked in advance and can be enjoyed either in the garden gazebo or other secluded locations in the garden.The selection of massages and treatments that are offered can be viewed on the website athttp://www.hotelmockingbirdhill.com/english/hotel/gazebo.php Guests can email us in advance for their reservations.

Tours

can be booked in advance to help with the easy organization. Please e mail the Mocking Bird Hill at info@hotelmockingbirdhill.com . Shireen and Barbara from the Mocking Bird Hill said :

The advantage of booking the tours with the group is that the per person price becomes more reasonable based on increasing numbers. It is certainly more advantageous than booking individually. If any guests would like specialized guides for special interests such as birdwatching, please ask them to let us know in advance so that we can book the guides. This is not generally possible at short notice.

Sincere thanks to Shireen and Barbara for all of their hard work to make us all so very welcome.

Anyone wanting to meet the crew of JAMAICA clipper, we will be staying at the Jamaica Palace Hotel. Please come over and say hello and let's share a Red Stripe together!