After a brisk passage from Santa Marta, World ARC 2015 fleet have now arrived in San Blas, Panama. First to arrive were UK flagged yacht Juno, second Exocet Strike, also from the UK and in 3rd, Mekena from USA.
San Blas is a remote archipelago lying just off the north coast of Panama and a very special place for cruising yachts. San Blas is well off the normal tourist trail and for those lucky cruisers who sail this coast en route to Panama they present a paradise of small white sandy islands and coconut palms, most only rising a couple feet above the Caribbean Sea. The archipelago is vast with some 365 islands and cays of which only 49 are inhabited.
Following World ARC’s arrival in San Blas the fleet will appreciate a free cruising period during which they can explore this beautiful area before a rendezvous on the island of Chichime where they will be joined by rally control. The fleet will enjoy a “pot luck” beach lunch and activities day. During the rendezvous the fleet will also be briefed on the formalities and procedures for the upcoming Panama Canal transit.
While in Chichime the fleet are also looking forward to welcoming UK yacht Aretha into the fleet for the first time. Aretha missed the start due to technical difficulties and are currently at sea just north of Santa Marta making good progress toward San Blas.