Ralliers Celebrate Arrival at El Salvador

How do you attract attention to a hotel and marina complex? One successful formula seems to be to host a cruisers’ rally with cash prizes, parties, free drinks and all sorts of discounts on local services. That’s exactly what organizers of the first-ever Cruisers’ Rally to El Salvador did, and an impressive fleet of nearly 60 entries is headed their way as we write this.

The first five boats arrived at Hotel Bahia del Sol yesterday, with a second group staged to leave Huatulco during the next weather window. Chula, Inspiration at Sea, Sirens Call, White Rose I, and Waltzing Matilda were all greeted by official rally hostess Claudia Olviedo, who joined bar pilot Rogelio aboard his jet ski to usher new arrivals across the bay’s tricky sandbar.

The hotel definitely made the cruisers’ feel welcome, by hosting an opening day party with drink specials, ice-cold local beer, and an endless supply of snacks.

Additional boats are expected to trickle in during the next eight weeks, with the Rally’s official deadline being May 10. For more info on the Rally and this up-and-coming destination — including tips for crossing the Gulf from Huatulco — see the website.