March 2011:THINGS ARE STILL STUCK ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CLUB HOUSE. MEANWHILE WE ARE IMPROVING OUR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS ACKNOWLEDGING THE NEEDS OF SOME OF THE LARGER VESSELS VISITING. We have also been laying many new moorings with the object of providing better access to berths. Our facilities continue to provide the basics; Secure docks(including dinghy dock for those anchored), garbage diposal, toilets, basic showers, fresh water, internet, and 110/220 v electrical supply. Sundays pot Lucks and flea markets are regular events.
The Club Naútico is located in one of the best residential barrios only 10 minutes stroll from the WORLD HERITAGE SITE CITY CENTER. Take a taxi and it will cost less than $3.00US. Cartagena remains a safe and secure destination where cruisers can relax while sightseeing and organizing work for their craft. Labor rates are very low at the semi skilled level. Electronics engineers are available for around $15US per hour. Work starts on a major rebuild expected to be completed by end 2010
Boats are docked med style with the aditional security off substantial moorings. The majority of our slips will accommodate 7 foot draft vessels. Additionally the new dock extensions there will be 10 additional slips providing berths for vessels between 8 and 12 feet draft.The bay is patrolled regularly by the Coast Guard. The new docks look to be quite an improvement!
The Coast Guard is competent and ready to assist and have a very good reputation for providing assistance beyond their call of duty. The Port of Colombia is one of the 3 major commercial ports in Colombia. It also serves as the headquarters for the Colombian Atlantic Armada. Presidential visits to Cartagena are frequent; testimony to both its history and security. Three new dock extensions are very nearly completed
The people of the coast, 'Costeños', are warm and welcoming. They will be delighted to see new faces. You will find they are quite open at all social levels so making new and interesting friends outside the cruising fraternity should become part of your 'Cartagena experience'. Meanwhile back at the 'ranch' we will soon be back to normal with cruiser's going about their daily business (this photo was taken 4 years ago and the same atmosphere should return as soon as we have completed the Club House reconstruction).