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 frozen fruit drinks in the fancy gala saloon, and after setting down to the long dining tables in the room all participants enjoyed a welcome from Juan Carlos Romero, the Santa Marta Marina manager and, on video, from Sandra Howard the Vice Minister of Tourism of Colombia.
Following the speeches it was time for the Prize Giving ceremony: 1st place in the Cruising Division Class A was awarded to the British Arcona 430 Tulla Mhor who finished the course in 5 days and 2 hours.
First place in the Cruising Division Class B was awarded to the Wauquiez Centurion Taistealai from UK, and in the Multihull Division 1st place was awarded to the crew of the Garcia 48 Hanna.
The World ARC fleet started their second leg of the Rally today at 1200LT (UTC -5) from Santa Marta to San Blas. Conditions on the start were perfect with a 12/15 knots from South East, flat water, just a little bit choppy off Isla Del Morro.
Race instructions were broadcast by Rally Control from the breakwater of Marina Santa Marta with a good view of the start line and the fleet
First across the line was Misto, followed by Tulla Mhor and Hanna.
The course heads west-south-west for 280NM finishing near the eastern end of the San Blas Islands chain in the Caribbean Sea. Leg 2 is expected to be quick and a little uncomfortable with choppy seas.
Winds are forecast to be 20-25kt east-south-easterlies for the first part and then easing as the fleet approach San Blas. The fleet are expected in San Blas on Friday 20, and fleet’s progress can be followed here: http://www.worldcruising.com/world_arc/eventfleetviewer.aspx
Hasta siempre Colombia!