One year after having left Puerto Ayora in the Galapagos the World ARC 2015-16 fleet is once again in South America visiting Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. Following the rendezvous, the free cruising period has allowed time for the crews to explore Brazil and beyond at their own pace by air, land and sea.
After having completing a few repairs and departure formalities, the majority of the fleet left Terminal Turistico Nautico da Bahia and decided to sail to Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic archipelago and protected marine park located 672NM north of Salvador and approximately 190NM from the Brazilian Northeast coast. Following an upwind passage, boats in the fleet anchored in the bay of St-Antonio on the North West side of the island. “This is a special place nearly 200 miles offshore the 'shoulder' of Brazil: part nature/marine reserve, part niche tourist draw,” described Peter on Exody, “The geography is reminiscent of the Marquesas- phallic volcanic forms, green lush landscapes, superb beaches; the weather (at least today) more reminiscent of Scotland - frequent showers and cloudy skies.” To celebrate Peter’s birthday, the crews of Exody and Makena ventured ashore to enjoy a traditional Brazilian lunch at the Margulhao bistro overlooking the anchorage. Other boats have been arriving in the anchorage over the past few days to explore the marine reserve and enjoy the superb beaches.
Meanwhile the crews of A plus 2, Tulasi and GarliX took the opportunity to head off on a 12 day tour flying around Brazil. Their itinerary included going to Iguassu falls on the border of Argentina and the Brazilian state of Panama, and also visiting Pantanal, Mato Grosso in the very middle of Brazil and South America. They spent their time horse riding, and visiting the wetlands with caimans and birds, “An amazing experience!” according to Jean on A plus 2. Before returning to Salvador, they also stopped for a weekend in Rio de Janeiro to see the famous Christ the Redeemer and the beach of Ipanema.
Chat Eau Bleu decided to sail along the coast stopping on the way to Recife and Natal, whilst Eric and Julia on Luna Quest are currently sailing straight from Salvador to Port Louis in Grenada rather than joining the fleet for the rendezvous on the 1st March in Fortaleza.
After nearly 3 weeks of free cruising in Brazil the boats will come together in Fortaleza at the Marina Park to complete the international clearances for Grenada as well as a skipper’s briefing for the passage before setting sails on Wednesday 3rd March. This will be the final leg of World ARC 2015-16 taking our participants back to the Caribbean where it all started nearly 14 months ago.