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Danica I - From Saint Lucia to Santa Marta, Colombia



From St. Lucia to Santa Marta, Colombia – 830 NM

We have completed our first leg of the World ARC from St. Lucia to Santa Marta. Danica 1 has covered 830 NM in 120 hours (5 days/nights) averaging 7 knots. We sailed with either the Code 0 or Genoa separately or together as a wing-on-wing set-up, enjoying typical 15-20 knot trade winds. Dark clouds often surrounded our path, but the squalls generally left us alone. All was well until we almost reached our destination late this morning. The winds suddenly picked up from 25 knots to high 30’s. It was quite challenging to raise the main in those conditions. We had to turn the boat 180’ into the wind. The crew was soaked to the bone from waves splashing into the cockpit. The scene reminded me of movies showing serious racers strapped with tethers in similar conditions or worse. With the finish line just a couple of miles away our situation was not that dreadful after all. We managed to bring the boat safely into the harbour where we were met by a military launch with six people on board. They wanted to board the boat. When they realized that we were part of the World ARC fleet, they welcomed us to Colombia and were happy to pose for photos which I hope to download in the near future to the Gallery.

Danica’s crew is tired but happy. Nancy and I collected our laundry which will be delivered back to the boat tomorrow. We tidied up the boat, enjoyed hot showers and lovely dinner at the burger place just outside the marina. Tomorrow afternoon we will sign up for the City of Santa Marta tour and plan to enjoy the entertainment at the waterfront square in the evening.

Over the next few days I hope to collect some unique memories from Colombia and share them in Danica’s blog and gallery. The internet connection is poor at the marina, but I will try my best to update the site before we move on towards the San Blas Islands next Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

 



Day 1- Glen and Mary with Mr. Andrew Bishop Managing Director of the World Cruising Club

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