After a very enjoyable and entertaining week here in Santa Marta it is with fond memories that the fleet depart for the islands of San Blas today with the commencement of Leg 2. Santa Marta have been generous hosts to World ARC and World Cruising Club look forward to returning in 2016.
Conditions on the start were warm and clear and while a blustery 20kt east-nor-easterly was blowing at sea the start line had lighter winds in the shelter of Santa Marta Bay. Race instructions were broadcast by Rally Control who were stationed on the breakwater of Marina Santa Marta with a good view of the start line and the fleet as they jostled upwind for position on the line.
With the sound of the starting horn and winds astern it was a wonderful sight as the yachts made a clean start in front of crowds of people and the tug boat Cinnock creating a water arch spectacle in the background. First across the line was Beneteau First 47.7 Exocet Strike, with the Oyster 575 Juno closely followed by the Lagoon 62 Makena. The course heads west-sou-west for 280NM finishing near the eastern end of San Blas Island chain in the Caribbean Sea.
Like leg 1, Leg 2 is expected to be quick and a little uncomfortable with choppy seas. Winds are forecast to be 15-25kt east-nor-easterlies for the first 36 hours and then easing as the fleet approach San Blas. The fleet are expected in San Blas on Thursday, the fleet’s progress can be followed here: http://www.worldcruising.com/world_arc/eventfleetviewer.aspx