World ARC participants enjoyed the Dinner and Prize Giving event hosted by Marina Santa Marta held in the main dining room of the stunning Club Santa Marta.
On arrival participants were welcomed with a selection of famous Colombian frozen fruit drinks in the fancy gala saloon, and after settling down to the long dining tables in the room all participants enjoyed a welcome from Manuel Avila the CEO of Marina Santa Marta, Juan Carlos the Marina manager and Andrew Bishop MD of World Cruising Club
Following the speeches it was time for the prize giving ceremony: 1st Prize in the Cruising Division Class A was awarded to Swedish Elan 41 Take Two who finished the course in 5 days and 13 hr, sailing half leg without main sail because of the broken boom! First place in the Cruising Division Class B was awarded to Chilli Bee the first 47.7 from Austria, and in the Multihull Division 1st place was awarded to the experienced crew of Maeva Maris the German Privilege 515, sailing the World ARC for the second time.
The crews greatly appreciated the dinner offered in the prestigious gala saloon, Joergen from Take Off asked the chef to come on stage; the participants greeted him for the gorgeous dinner with long applause.
The dinner was the end of a memorable week here in Santa Marta; the fleet depart for the islands of San Blas with the start of Leg 2 was postponed of 20 hr because of the severe weather conditions from Santa Marta to Barranquilla; the fleet is enjoying this extra day in Colombia relaxing at the pool and visiting the town of Santa Marta.
