The lighted vessels at night.
Entering the harbour.
WILLEMSTAD--Early Sunday the first of several tall ships attending “Velas Latinoamerica” hosted by Curaçao Sail Foundation entered the port of Willemstad. Spectators were already lined along the harbour channel from the wee hours of the morning.
The Esmeralda from Chile was followed by the Gloria from Colombia. A bit later three-master Cuauhtémoc from Mexico sailed in with the crew high in the mast and at the end of the morning four-master Union of Peru. By evening six out of the eight navy training vessels expected had arrived.
The event features activities on both sides of Saint Anna Bay. The boats are open to the public free of charge for three days.
According to organisers the first and the last day are all about traditional rituals such as salute shots and “blessing of the sails.”
