The World ARC 2023-24 fleet have begun to arrive at Santa
Marta in Colombia. This is the first stop on the fleet’s circumnavigation which
takes 26 boats around the world in 15-months. Having departed in Saint Lucia on
Saturday 7 January, they have experienced good winds enabling most of the boats
to sail a route of over 800 NM in just 5 days.
First across the finish line was the sleek Oyster 56, Amanzi
and her crew of three; Marc, Clare and Ron. Her crew crossed the line just
before dawn on Thursday 12 January, to take line honours for leg 1,
congratulations! As we approached sunrise a tight pack of leading boats began
to near, next across the line were Salt, closely followed by Hoka Hey, Renegade
and then Saphir af Stockholm once the sun was up.
As the sun rose over the Tayrona hills, pressure was
building for Hoka Hey who had lost means of propulsion and were beginning to
drift towards bulk carrier Delphi Ranger. Hearing Hoka Hey’s transmission on
VHF, Renegade went to assist and provided a tow to safer waters. The incident
was safely resolved and was a perfect first display of rally spirit.
The Rally Control team is now fully established in Santa
Marta Marina and the team look forward to welcoming the rest of the fleet over
the next few days!
