2023-24 World ARC - Sunny Santa Marta
by World Cruising Club 12 Jan 2023 22:47 PST
The World ARC 2023-24 fleet have begun to arrive at Santa Marta in Colombia. This is the first stop on the fleet's circumnavigation which takes 26 boats around the world in 15-months. Having departed in Saint Lucia on Saturday 7 January, they have experienced good winds enabling most of the boats to sail a route of over 800 NM in just 5 days.
First across the finish line was the sleek Oyster 56, Amanzi and her crew of three; Marc, Clare and Ron. Her crew crossed the line just before dawn on Thursday 12 January, to take line honours for leg 1, congratulations! As we approached sunrise a tight pack of leading boats began to near, next across the line were Salt, closely followed by Hoka Hey, Renegade and then Saphir af Stockholm once the sun was up.
As the sun rose over the Tayrona hills, pressure was building for Hoka Hey who had lost means of propulsion and were beginning to drift towards bulk carrier Delphi Ranger. Hearing Hoka Hey's transmission on VHF, Renegade went to assist and provided a tow to safer waters. The incident was safely resolved and was a perfect first display of rally spirit.
The Rally Control team is now fully established in Santa Marta Marina and the team look forward to welcoming the rest of the fleet over the next few days!