Santa Marta’s marina will welcome the largest nautical rally in the world

Santa Marta, located in the Colombian Caribbean, will be the first stop of the World ARC 2015 Rally (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). This is the first time that this rally makes a stop in Colombian coastlines. It is part of the national strategy to position Colombia as a nautical tourism destination.

The rally organized by the World Cruising Club, will begin its journey on the island of St. Lucia gathering 50 vessels that will travel together for 15 months and nearly 26,000 nautical miles.

For five days, about 20 of the 50 participating boats will tour 815 nautical miles from St. Lucia to Santa Marta where they will be welcomed by Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos.

To mark the rally’s arrival in the capital of Magdalena, there will be a series of cultural and gastronomic events that will consolidate the promotion of Santa Marta as an international tourist destination.

"Colombia has 26 nautical facilities that can accommodate up to 1,887 vessels and 37 anchorage and berthing areas. The Caribbean is the most developed region in this capacity and Santa Marta is the only city in South America that is part of the IGY group given its high quality standards, service and infrastructure, "said Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of PROCOLOMBIA.

The boaters -- who will stay in the city for one week-- will be able to experience a destination with unique attractions including historical and cultural heritage sites; a great diversity of birds in natural parks; body relaxation and wellness centers, spas and hydrotherapies; sun and sand; diving, among many other regional appeals.

Lacouture concluded, "We promote tourism in Santa Marta in 29 markets around the world. In countries like Israel, Italy and Turkey we uncovered opportunities to highlight Santa Marta as an attractive destination; and with the arrival of the World ARC 2015 Rally, the city’s nautical tourism will have a strong surge to consolidate itself where it excels".

According to the National Plan of Nautical Tourism in Colombia, 61% of vessels arriving in the marinas are from Panama, 17% from the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) and the rest come from the Caribbean and the United States.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, based on figures from the Colombian Immigration Department, Santa Marta is the eighth highest city in the country that receives foreign travelers annually. Between 2012 and 2013 more than 40,000 people visited the capital of Magdalena and 10,069 travelers so far during the first half of 2014.

In addition to Santa Marta, the World ARC 2015 Rally visit places like Panama, The Galapagos, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa and Brazil, among many others.

Santa Marta’s Marina

It is one of the top 10 destinations that are part of the IGY marina group -- the association that awards high quality standards, service and infrastructure, and promotes these sites to host major international events.

The infrastructure of Santa Marta’s marina is quite impressive: Technomarine floating docks; 256 berths, 4 are operational for Mega-yachts; power-equipped, with potable water, internet, fuel, garbage and waste management, laundry, restrooms, restaurants, convenience stores, fitness centers and VIP rooms for captains; 24 hour private security and expert personnel within the complex. All of these features are just some of the several reasons why it was selected to be part of the World ARC 2015 Rally.

But that is not all; currently there is progress to include a shipyard and dry dock services in addition to the construction of an apartment tower and a hotel.

These developments go hand in hand with the government's goals, which is scheduled for 2030 that include for the country to be seen a nautical destination in South America and the Caribbean, with marinas that can reach a capacity of 11,000 vessels and a selection of 150 companies that are engaged in nautical activities located in strategic areas.

Santa Marta is the first stop of this journey. After visiting the most beautiful bay in America the rally will continue to visit Panama, The Galapagos, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa and Brazil, among other many destinations.