San Blas - Paradise

CARANGO AMEL 54 #035
PETER and VICKY FORBES
Sat 23 Jan 2016 21:04
With the finally forthcoming permission from the Port Capitano of Santa Marta we managed to escape without armed intervention and sail South West towards San Blas - much was made of a warning to stay 30 miles offshore to avoid the deluge from the Magdalena River flowing out of Columbia from Barranquilla. We made out to sea and it was rough and windy with gusts to 40 plus knots. Carango and crew pulled through without a hair out of place.

After a somewhat hectic evening - the wind and sea dropped to yield some of the best sailing imaginable with calm cruising at 7 - 10 knots with Mizzen staysail, Yankee and Mizzen and as dusk approached we handed the mizzen staysail and deployed the main. What a magic evening - Morrises produced an astounding music playlist which has now been christened the San Blas playlist. Outstanding music has a wonderful mood effect. We caught the biggest Mahimahi fish yet.


 At a respectable 12 lbs we were well satisfied with the days catch. Mahimahi cooks very well and tastes delicious. 

We arrived amongst the San Blas islands an idyllic chain of coral reefs, sand and palm trees at about 4 o’clock in the morning under a stunning full moon which illuminated the whole reef with its crashing surf in fantastic light. We slowed and navigated the reef and surf to circle the islands and find a safe anchorage. It could not have been done without the moonshine but in that light it was magical experience.

Next morning — PARADISE