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Exody - Days 411-414: it was like planes lining up to land at Heathrow....



.....as five boats homed in on Fortaleza first thing on the morning of Sunday 28th February. Exody was first in, two miles behind(as they had been most of the night) were Chateau Bleu (from Recife)and then Hugur's mast visible five miles away. Behind them almost equally spaced Garlix (from Salvador)and Ayama. The marina staff were nowhere to be seen so our 'marinheiro' was Luc of Makena who greeted each boat, led us in one by one, advised on anchor drop and then helped nudge sterns round for the tricky cross wind berthing stern-to and not too close to the unfortunately dilapidated metal pontoons!

No sooner tied up were we before Hugur were alongside and then Garlix. Ropes and fenders adjusted,dinghies launched as stepping stones to the pontoons, we were soon availing ourselves of the Marina Park Hotel's pool, showers and bar facilities! For this marina is an integral part of a large and fairly lightly occupied hotel complex fairly central to the City.

It is played down as a stopover due to the poor condition of the facilities but we have enjoyed the plentiful water supply, a great night out on the town, including a memorable visit to the Pirata night club- energetic local dancing in traditional dress, live music and all of us on the floor (dancing that is!). The supermarket and city generally seem more accessible than Salvador. The vast beachside walkway hosts all kinds of energetic activity in the evenings- running, skate boarding, cycling, roller skating plus copeira dancing- very many body beautiful Brazilians!

We've spent much time washing everything in sight, since from hereon in through the Caribbean water is paid for! We've also cleaned the underfloors, stocked up on fresh goods and today Wednesday 2nd March, we are ready to roll for the last formal leg of World ARC 2015/16.


Peter (Skipper)


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