World ARC 2019-20: Southern Atlantic crossing to Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
by World Cruising Club 10 Feb 2019 22:20 PST
Salvador da Bahia, has a palpable energy met by very few cities in the world and is welcoming the World ARC 2018-19 fleet with open arms, powerful rhythms and true Brazilian spirit. Considered the crown jewel of the country's Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador is the perfect place for the fleet to make landfall after crossing the Southern Atlantic Ocean.
Africa meets South American in this amazingly beautiful place filled with rich heritage and culture. Yachts and crews departed Cape Town, South Africa on 9 January 2019 and after enjoying a stopover in the remote island of St. Helena, restarted their sail across the final ocean of their circumnavigation completing another 1900nm, a 12- 16 day journey. Emily Morgan, with her crew of 8, was the first yacht to arrive. By day and by night, the Terminal Turístico Náutico da Bahia Marina (TTNB) is slowly filling as the World ARC crews reunite and share stories of their crossing.
"We enjoyed beautiful sailing in mostly 15 knots of wind, broad reaching in 2-3 ft seas - spectacular, comfortable, enjoyable passage! Now enjoying land pleasures!!!" Sven Dobler, crew on Madrigal.
"Peaceful and relaxing passage in light downside - I read 8 books" Ruud Bosman, skipper on Blue Pearl.
In recent years, Salvador has undergone some significant changes. Being selected as one of the host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, improvements have been made to the city's infrastructure and facilities to cater to international travellers. Salvador's old world charm has been beautifully maintained and restored, with cobblestone streets, gilded cathedrals and colourful colonial buildings. The energy of the music reverberates throughout town and can be enjoyed at one of the many outdoor cafes. Every February, Salvador hosts "the world's largest party", a six day event and is arguably one of the best carnivals in Brazil. Rio's carnival draws more people but Salvador's still draws over 2 million people and covers a much larger geographic area. The build up is already starting and participants can feel the energy!!! Bahia also boasts a stunningly beautiful coastline, and tropical islands surround the Baia de Todos os Santos.
Upon arrival World Arc 2018-19 participants have time to explore many of the distinctly different neighbourhoods; Pelourinho (colonial old city), Comercio (financial district near the marina), Barroquinha (locals markets and shopping), Barra (beaches and pedestrian promenade) and even a day trip to Itaparica, a lovely island in the Bay of All Saints. Next week they will enjoy a guided city tour by Tours Bahia, welcome function and Prize giving party at the TTNB Marina.
Special thank you to the marina staff Dominique and Alex for providing a friendly South American welcome and stay. Thank you Carla Leal and Regula Stromer -Tours Bahia Intl for all your work behind the scene to introduce our fleet to your Bahia culture.
Rally Control will hold a formal briefing offering tips for cruising the Brazilian coastline as the fleet makes their way to the next official stopover in Cabedelo, Brazil.