2023-24 World ARC - Santa Marta mid-trip round up
by World Cruising Club 16 Jan 10:45 UTC
For the fleet, today marks day four in Santa Marta, Columbia!
Agents in Santa Marta have long since received and processed the fleet arrivals, the fleet have now had time to enjoy the vibrant and welcoming city, its sun, and its big winds! We have reached day four of the World ARC programme; over the past few days the fleet have been taken on local history sightseeing tours and given a reception in style at the welcome cocktail party hosted by IGY Marina Santa Marta.
The programme continues today with a local school visit in association with the FUNDEHUMAC 'Step by Step Program'; and a paella and sangria evening at the Cambiante Marina Bistro. As we build up to the Skippers briefing and prize-giving dinner on Tuesday, which will be presented and hosted at the Yacht Club Santa Marta and IGY Marina Salon respectively; there remains plenty of time for crews to indulge in meals, tours and getting any quick fixes done in the well-equipped Santa Marta boat yard (who are currently handling an array of fixes for the fleet ranging from generators to rigs).
Sara of Stockholm, who left Saint Lucia late because of a haul out in Rodney Bay Marina, currently have an ETA of -0630 tomorrow morning (16/01/2023). Their arrival will complete the fleet that will move onwards to the San Blas islands to eventually transit the Panama Canal on dates between 29th January and 1st February. In important developments, Rally Control are pleased to announce that the fleet will transit the canal with the 'Scenario 2' agenda - meaning two special lockage's exclusively for World ARC boats. This allows all boats not requiring a pilot to make the transit as two groups of twelve, with four nests of three in each lock. We anticipate quite a spectacle. In the meantime, there is much more to occupy the fleet! We look forward to seeing all crews for paella and sangria tonight!