After some setbacks we faced in the last six months, we are pleased to inform everyone that they have been overcome. The current conditions of arrival and departure are:

Shipping agent is not required.

E-mail SITRAME message has been simplified.

Fuel is available. Domestic price of diesel fuel at $1.04/US gallon will apply to foreign family tourist sailboats.

Terms of arrival and departure: eight months stay. We are trying to obtain a longer time.

PRIOR TO ARRIVAL: 48 hours prior to arrival all yachts must send the following message to: guayaquil_radio@digmer.org with a copy to marina@puertolucia.com.ec.

ID MESSAGE/SITRAME/SP//

A/SHIP`S NAME/CALL SIGN/FLAG/TYPE//

B/PORT OF DEPARTURE/DATE-TIME OF DEPARTURE/MONTH/PORT FACILITY//

C/PORT OF DESTINATION/ETA/MONTH/AUTHORIZED YACHT CLUB//

D/POSITION LAT-LONG/DATE-TIME/MONTH//

E/WAY POINT/LAT-LONG/ETA/MONTH//

X/REMARKS//

1. NOMBRE NAVE / VESSEL NAME:

2. INDICATIVO DE LLAMADA / RADIO CALL SIGN:

3. ESLORA / LENGTH:

4. MANGA / BEAM:

5. PUNTAL / DRAUGHT:

6. CALADO / DEPTH:

7. PESO MUERTO / GROSS TONNAGE:

8. PESO NETO / NET TONNAGE:

9. FECHA CONSTRUCCION DE LA NAVE / DATE VESSEL WAS BUILT:

10. NACIONALIDAD / NATIONALITY:

11. PUERTO DE REGISTRO / PORT OF REGISTRY:

12. SOCIEDAD CLASIFICADORA (SI TUVIERE): if applicable

13. NR. OMI / IMO OR OTHER NUMBER: if applicable

PLYC COORDINATES 02.13.01 S / 80.55.28 W

As soon as the yacht is in radio range, the Captain must report directly to Puerto Lucia Yacht Club on VHF Ch 19A. (08:00 to 18:00 hours). Normally the Yacht will be told to anchor a short safe distance from the marina lighthouse on the starboard side past the entrance. If arrivals are after working hours the Captain must anchor outside the entrance buoy for early clearance the following morning.

CLEARANCE/DEPARTURE

Vessel Agent is NO longer required; The Yacht Club, with assistance from the Yacht Captain, will prepare arrival and departure documents and arrange for authorities to come onboard for clearance and free pratique, as well as with customs and Port Captain documentation for Clearance. It is NO longer required for the crew to go to the immigration office, except in special cases, for passport stamping. 90 day VISAS are free and granted on the spot, subject to extension. The Yacht Captain will cover round-trip transportation (taxi) for the authorities.

All arrival and clearance fees related to GTR/LOA/Beacon and Buoys/Frequency use, collected by the Port Captain’s office are on account of each Yacht as well as the immigration Fee of US$. 15.00 per yacht.

Yachts are allowed 6 months term (about 8 months 9 days) stay. Presently Puerto Lucia Yacht Club is working with customs authorities to extend the legal entry up to 10 years, and expect to achieve this extension soon.

Docking

Puerto Lucia is easily identified by six apartment blocks, the one in the middle having a distinctive white roof in the shape of a pyramid. The marina entrance is at 2°13.01 S, 80°55.28 W. A sharp turn to the right after having cleared the breakwater takes you to a fuel dock which is also the reception dock after the yacht is cleared. Next to it is the Travelift pen. The marina is not large and has floating pontoons with water and electricity on its northern side, and on its southern side. A new price structure is being introduced, and long-stayers are offered a discount if fees are paid in advance. Details can be obtained from the marina website www.puertolucia.com.ec or by sending an email to the marina marina@puertolucia.com.ec

Security in the marina is excellent as there are guards on 24-hour duty, and there is strict control at the main gates that lead into the club and marina. All visitors must pre-register at the marina office.

Puerto Lucia Yacht Club

La Libertad

Tel: 593-4278-3180, Fax: 593-4278-3201, VHF Channel 19A

www.puertolucia.com.ec, marina@puertolucia.com.ec

This private yacht club has a public marina with 150 berths each with power and water hook-ups and Mediterranean-style moorings. The marina has a 50-ton Travelift and sufficient space to store yachts on the hard for long or short-term storage. The marina club is very helpful and will assist in an emergency. The marina is the most secure and best place to leave a boat while exploring the interior. Marina users can use some of the services provided by the yacht club, its restaurant, and bar, laundry, ice, fax and telephone. The club will also assist with booking taxis, excursions or flights, arrange a shuttle to Guayaquil International Airport (100 km). The marina and club now also has a free Wi-Fi service, and there is a brand new Cruiser’s Lounge in the club area, with book exchange and three computers for use by yachtsmen at no cost.

In addition, there is a new fee for club use of US$5 per day per Yacht, that includes the use of Club facilities, trash removal, toilets and showers, swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants at member’s prices, concierge services, as well as a very complete Gym with sauna and Jacuzzi. Use of the Gym except for Saturdays and Sundays due to an increase of club members assistance.

The weather is beautiful all year around. 23/27 degrees centigrade.

Galo Ortiz, Puerto Lucia Yacht Club