Cozumel, Mexico, Aug 21 (EFE).– Eight military sailing ships from Latin American countries arrived Tuesday at Cozumel island, in the Mexican Caribbean, one of the last ports of the 2018 Sail Latinoamerica regatta.
The boats from Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador are expected to end their sea journey on Sep. 2 at the port of Veracruz, after sailing more than 12,000 nautical miles.
The ships, which departed from Rio de Janeiro 157 days ago, have visited ports in Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Curacao, Brazil and the Dominican Republic.
On Tuesday afternoon, Mexican naval authorities welcomed the captains of the eight sailboats during a ceremony.
Vice Admiral Francisco Limas highlighted the “message of peace” that these ships sought to convey in each port they visited and the fraternity among the nations of Latin America.
Events on the Mexican island included the performances of traditional and pre-Hispanic dances as well as those of local artists.
During the event, visitors could visit the sailing ships and enjoy various sporting, musical events, as well as enjoy the local cuisine.
This regatta was first held in 2010 by Argentina and Chile as an international meeting of big sailing ships to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the independence of both countries.