26-02-2025, 57’08S 063’23W, follow us: https://my.yb.tl/Tecla
With the fading summer light, we set of for Antarctica, one more time this season. Light is of the greatest essence down south. Growlers are lurking at every unaware mariner… We are not that far yet.
We set of yesterday from Porto Toro after one more night of good sleep alongside the wharf. Cocha had arranged our clearance out in Puerto Williams plus a full tank of diesel and water. The forecast was not great, so we chose for a last stop at the end of the world. Puerto Toro has the claim to be the world’s most southerly village. 10 Families reside here and in winter they are joint by a hardy fleet of king crab fishing boats. The only way in and out of Toro is by sea, no road leads here. While sailing down the Beagle channel this is no surprise. The thick forest and mountainous landscape would prove more than a challenge to temper.
Yesterday morning we set of with fresh snow on the hills. The squalls all around us made for a dramatic setting. Reefed mizzen staysail and jib2 was more than enough for the 25 plus knots of wind. When we left the shelter of the Islands, sea sickness claimed its first casualties. After a bumpy night they seem to be recovering well under the watchful eye of Anna… The wind has left us, but the swell reminds us of its former furry… No time to waste we will just have to get on with it! Eyes on the prize lets go!
All is well
Gijs
