After two nights anchored in Caleta Tres Mares, we
continue our coastal sailing along the east coast of Navarino Island while waiting for a
good weather window to cross Bahia Nassau, which separates us from Cape Horn.
Caleta Margarita, Caleta Felipe, Puerto Toro, we spend two nights each
time in these beautiful anchorages where we often have to battle with kelp to
raise the anchor. Our days are filled with short walks, games on
the beach or in fishermen's huts, and crab fishing when the weather
permits. Otherwise, it's baking, crafts, maintenance of
Libertaire, and reading on board where it's nice and warm. Freshwater is available at
each anchorage, so we take advantage of small waterfalls to
enjoy the luxury of daily showers. Apart from the sailboat La Cardinale, which we
encounter in Puerto Toro, we only come across fishing boats,
as the crab fishing season begins!
On Friday the 14th, a southwest wind of 25-30 knots allows us
to cross Bahia Nassau to reach the anchorage of Caleta
Martial, 45 miles to the south. Although we are mostly protected
from the swell by the coastline, the 3 hours spent beating into a choppy swell in
Bahia Nassau make the three girls on board seasick....This anchorage on the
east coast of Herschel Island is unique for its beautiful white sand
beach, quite rare at these latitudes. ..We wait out a depression
over the weekend, and on Monday, April 17th, we raise the anchor to go
fetch our chocolate eggs at Cape Horn! The weather is nice, the wind is from the north
at 15 knots, and the gentle 1-meter swell is not uncomfortable. We
circle the famous rock in reverse (from east to west) under full
sail and engine before heading back to Puerto Maxwell on Hermite Island
for lunch. A beautiful hike and seal observation after the nap,
before returning to the boat to celebrate Cape Horn. We set off again
the next morning at first light towards Fondeadero Cabo Reis on
Navarino Island. A somewhat arduous journey of 50 miles under engine against
a headwind that strengthens to 40 knots for the last miles... But we didn't have much choice as a
major depression was forecast, and we didn't want to be stuck too long in Maxwell. The next day we anchor again
in front of Puerto Toro before returning tonight to the Micalvi in Puerto Williams.
Photos from these last
weeks are on our Facebook page if you're interested!
https://www.facebook.com/pg/libertairesailing/photos/?tab=album&album_id=459481094383559
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