Yesterday World ARC participants visited Bahia Concha where they enjoyed a Colombian Beach BBQ surrounded by the natural beauty of Tayrona National Park. The tour was organised by Marina Santa Marta in conjunction with World Cruising Club.
Bahia Concha is a pretty beach of white sand and deep blue waters in a circular bay set amid a landscape of a tropical dry forest where Cacti grow close to the waters edge making for a very dramatic landscape. The venue was area of shady trees and it was an idyllic spot to spend an afternoon looking out over the bay. Within moments of arriving crews were swimming in the cool waters of the Caribbean Sea and relaxing under the shady trees with glasses of rum and bottles of ice cold beer in hand.
Lunch was a traditional Colombia BBQ with a selection of grilled meats, salads and ice tea served to the participants on long tables set in the shade behind the beach while a group of local musicians played Colombia music. Following lunch Vice Minister for Tourism in Colombia, Sandra Howard, spoke to the fleet warmly welcoming them to Colombia and showing great interest in the adventures that lie ahead in the World ARC. CEO of Marina Santa Marta, Manuel Davila joined in welcoming the participants.
A fantastic afternoon was spent swimming, eating, drinking, swapping sailing stories and relaxing in the warm sunshine. The afternoon was so enjoyable that a number of crews remained on the beach until sunset, travelling back to the Marina on a selection of sports fishing boats brought to the bay for the BBQ.