article published in the blog context Sports on November 6, 2010.
by André Pinheiro (Zizou)
Ship stranded for 25 years is used as a support to eco-tourism on seafront fortress
Visit the Fortaleza coast without knowing the capital of Ceara is a "sin." Thousands of local tourists visit daily and non-local one of the most important cards in condition Avenue waterfront. Mucuripe the metal bridge many tourist attractions such as regional food, local crafts show and humor are offered to tourists, but nothing that links our culture with the natural beauty of our coastline and its marine fauna. For anyone thinking of visiting the seashore in Fortaleza, in particular the Iracema beach and not see attractions that are directly is linked to nature because they have not been informed of the boat trips to the Mara Hope, a tanker that ran aground 25 years ago in a ravine near the yard of sand on the beach of Iracema.
was thinking of the sea spread of Ceará and the story of Mara Hope, the dive instructor, Marcus Davis, had the idea of \u200b\u200bjoining the natural beauty of the shoreline of strength with the curiosity that people had about that "iron monster" that 25 years ago is the same location. "People have always questioned me about the Mara Hope, many even knew it was a ship," said Marcus. In August 2009, Marcus strip of paper to make the project tours boat and the stranded ship with a team of professionals, she started walking to the Mara hope.
The tours are conducted by Mara hope on average two times a month and are disseminated through the company's own website, and through www.mardoceara.com.br other social media like MySpace and Tweeter. Interested parties make a reservation by calling the "Sea of \u200b\u200bCeará and arrive half an hour in advance of the shipment at the agreed location, which is located on the seafront promenade in front of the school of Wind surf No. 4320. The tour lasts about 3 hours, 45 minutes to go to Mara Hope where the vessel is anchored by more about 1 hour and 15 minutes and return takes about 1 hour until the point where the boat left.
A raft takes the visitor to make boarding the "Trim" (a boat hulls 3) that takes tourists to the Mara Hope. The vessel is manned by a captain and two sailors, in addition to the team's "Sea of \u200b\u200bCeara," led by Marcus Davis. The trimaran is fully equipped with safety equipment, floats, kayaks, radio, GPS, power and sail, thus providing full security to visitors. Inside the boat, visitors can still buy beer, soft drink and mineral water, remembering that is only allowed to drink beer during the ride back for safety. Upon boarding, guests are made aware of how to proceed during the ride through a briefing (a list of guidelines), passed by the tour coordinator, Marcus. "It is very important to pass this information to the visitors because it will serve the well being during the ride" Marcus asserts. Besides the briefing, there is a disclaimer that is available to those who want to climb to the deck of the ship aground, as though the site be marked with white paint warning of dangerous points, yet there risks for which the organization of the tour can not be responsible. 
Done briefing and recalled the terms of responsibility, the boat heads towards the Mara hope. Along the way, the city's beauty is lush view of the sea and when dolphins appear to complement the beautiful landscape is as if Picasso greet Portinari. First journey to the sailors of the start of the ride does not seem like much, because with the balance of the boat soon get sick, however, the team has the presence of rescuer Karla Prudent accompanying throughout the trip who are evil, aiding with medication against nausea than instructions for the well being of the same.
During the tour, the team's "Sea of \u200b\u200bCeará, explaining to visitors will issues such as the marine fauna of the coast of Fortaleza, and the importance of preserving the site, giving tips on how to avoid degradation of the marine ecosystem through a work with the Municipal Environment and Urban Control (SEMAM). The ecological adventure seems to reach its apex when the trimaran gets closer to the Mara Hope. To see firsthand that "iron monster" has already damaged by rust, so start inquiries about its history. The coordinator of the tour, Marcus Davis, and is also a professional diver shipwreck historian and is extremely gabaritado to provide visitors with information and satisfactory answers relevant to the Mara Hope. "Being in touch with the Mara and it's exciting when you know a little bit more about him, the ride becomes more interesting." Marcus commented.
Throw the anchor! The order of the commander is the joy of those on board the vessel. All get lifejackets and seek the best way that they like to enjoy the natural environment in which it is inserted into the vessel aground. A few contained solve enjoy the scenery without leaving the trimaran. Others are content with a shallow dive in the sea. However, for most, it is interesting to climb in kayaks or even swimming, go check closely the "Iron Giant." Those more adventurous spirit to be hauled to the deck of the ship and are presented with an incomparable view. "I had seen the sunset in Fortaleza metal bridge, but the deck of the Mara Hope, vision and feeling is indescribable." Said a tourist from Rio Grande do Sul, Mario Hoffmann 30. Other more adventurous, not only go up on deck as well as risking a jump of about 10 meters tall. They climb a ladder on the side of the ship with great care, although she always be under repair is always good to be careful not to slip and cause any more accidents of greater severity. Other than that, taking all necessary precautions just enjoy every moment that you provide the ride. "Like the natural beauty of this town is very pleasant and when you join this pleasure with the adrenaline of jumping from the deck of the Mara, the adventure is complete." Explaining the Mineiro in Belo Horizonte, Carlos Saldanha, 27.
Yeah, but unfortunately such moments do not last forever and as the saying goes: "Everything is good, short-lived." Thus, a mixture of feelings of euphoria and nostalgia shines on the faces of the adventurers that after 2 hours of adventure, see the tour coming to an end. "It's something that will be recorded forever into my retina." Touched and spoke with teary eyes student Erica Quagliato Paulista, 19.
Weigh anchor, all on board, time to go, are phrases that do not please none of which are part of the ride, but still not the end. That's right, when the ride seems to get to the end and not have more attractions, the back is graced by the exuberance provided by the unmistakable twilight sunset in Fortaleza that seems unwilling to go as a passionate lover who does not want to leave without his beloved. Almost an hour after leaving the Mara Hope the boat returned, bringing with people who will certainly take your memories forever in these moments of contact with nature that make the human being re-evaluate their behavior and thoughts, trying always ensure that it still gives them quality of life and well-being: the environment.
Marcus, ecological tourism in Fortaleza seafront has been undergoing a process of revitalization and preservation of local awareness. He reports that visits to see Mara Hope contributing to this process and that the greater the number of people making that rereading the beach of Iracema, the better for our marine ecosystem. "The ecological tourism is a strategic way to preserve the environment," concluded.
A brief history of the ship Mara Hope:
In 1985 Mara Hope that after tanker catches fire and burned for three days in a port in Texas in the USA and sold as scrap to a company South Africa, was being towed when his tug on the machines had problems and stopped in the shipbuilding industry of Ceará (INAC) on March 8, 1985, for repairs. But the tanker was at anchor in Port Mucuripe when on the evening of March 21, 1985, during a strong storm, the Mara Hope broke loose from its moorings and drifted aground two kilometers in the front yard where his tug. The sandbar on which the ship ran aground was very extensive and the vessel was deeply mired. After several futile attempts to move it was found the ship's loss.
Sources: Internet and Marcus Davis (Coordinator the "Sea of \u200b\u200bCeará).
Service Provision:
The ride is organized by Mara Hope Club Sea Ceará and costs $ 30.00 per person, where visitors will be entitled to 3 hours of walking and all safety and comfort trimaran boat that gives, in addition to kayaking near the beached ship and climb to the deck. Onboard, sold soft drinks, mineral water and beer.
Point of Sales Headquarters
Club Sea Ceará (Heraclitus Grace Av, 1090, sl 05)
More Information:
Phone: (85) 30813641 / 88127410 / 88995775 Chat with Marcus, Karla or Leonardo
E-mail: mardoceara@gmail.com
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