Advertisement

New Events in the Western Caribbean

Honduras: The first Columbus Rally for Cruisers took place last August. From its start at Guanaja, the event commemorated Christopher Columbus’ landing five centuries ago, and his sailing on to the mainland at Trujillo. Cruisers were treated as VIPs by the Honduran government, received ringside seats at a concert by Latin folk singer Guillermo Anderson, invited to a private luncheon with Central American heads of state, and representatives from the Vatican. The president of Honduras presented prizes to rally winners at a gala.

Participants were Escapade B (Klaus Borchert and Carole Robitaile, Morgan OI41), Kitty Hawk (Jack and Elizabeth Midence, CSY 44), Adios (Paul Schmidt, Hinckley B40), Panagaea (Gene Ferris and Marsha Mason, Manta 40 Cat), and Xtazy (Paul Dias and Nancy Peterson, C&C; 42). Adios won the all-expenses-paid trip to the ruins at Copán, one of the masterpieces of Mayan antiquity.

Cruisers agreed that Trujillo is an excellent stopover when traveling east from Roatán to San Blas and Panama. “This town is historic and welcoming, and equal or better in security and cleanliness to any town between Isla Mujeres and La Ceiba,” said Dave Waltz, who with wife Donna sailed on Panagaea. “The anchorage is open to the west, but breezy and bug-free in the easterly trades. The Christopher Columbus Hotel is the place to anchor with good holding in sand. The hotel is anxious to have cruisers visit and welcomed us to use their pool. There’s fuel, an Internet café, and a good market.” For 2003 rally dates, contact Dave Waltz (ku4ou@winlink.org) or Jack Midence (lhi@netsys.hn).

Advertisement

Colombia: Morgan’s Run is a 400-mile rally from Cartagena, Colombia, renowned as one of the most beautiful Spanish colonial cities in the Americas, northwest to San Andrés, then 50 miles north to Providencia. This fourth running will start on May 10, 2003.

Morgan’s Run offers the opportunity to visit both the historical city of Cartagena and the Colombian islands of Providencia and San Andrés, located approximately 150 miles east of Nicaragua. San Andrés, a bustling island of resorts, shopping, restaurants, and pristine beaches, contrasts with the quiet beauty of Providencia, an unspoiled haven designated as an international wildlife refuge.

The race and parties are organized under the auspices of Club de Pesca de Cartagena, the private yacht club popular with visiting cruisers and located within the 18th-century walls of a historic Spanish fort. For more information on the rally, visit the website Destination Cartagena (www.destinationcartagena.com/morgans_run.html), e -mail Lee Miles (Lee@destinationcartagena.com), or phone +57 (5) 665-0270.

Advertisement

B.B.

Advertisement
Advertisement