After endless flights and several adventures, including delays due to airport personnel strikes, we are in Punta Arenas, the capital of the Chilean Magellanic Region. The city is located in a quite flat area in comparison with what we are about to see during the next three days sailing in the Southernmost fjords and channels of the world.

After endless flights and several adventures, including delays due to airport personnel strikes, we are in Punta Arenas, the capital of the Chilean Magellanic Region. The city is located in a quite flat area in comparison with what we are about to see during the next three days sailing in the Southernmost fjords and channels of the world.

Our sailing will bring us amongst the rugged spine of the Andes Mountains that ends here, coming right down to meet the sea at the southern tip of Chile and Argentina. The Bark Europa was moored in “Muelle Mardones”, located around 3 km from the city centre and close to the Duty free commercial area. Some of us already left the luggage during the day and ventured out to enjoy a few hours in town.

We are welcomed on board from 17:00h onwards. Soon we all begin to gather and introduce ourselves on the ship’s main deck. Coffee, tea, and cake were ready for us to enjoy, while Elskarin and Annukka are checking us in, and Jordi takes pictures of all or us. The process takes until dinner time, and after enjoying our first meal on board, the ship’s bell rings 3 times, signalling all hands to gather on deck. Captain Eric gives a welcome speech and toast, and introduces the crew and guides.
During the whole trip Eric will watch the wind and weather forecasts closely, and together with his first officer Elskarin, and our guidesJordi and Annukka, who will be assisted by Doctor Bob, will plan our sailing and visits accordingly.

Shortly afterwards we had the mandatory Safety and Abandon Ship instruction, done by Elskarin. Then we could enjoy some time in the company of our fellow travellers or have some sleep before departure, which was set for 02:00 AM, as agreed with the two pilots that we are going to have on board during the next three days sailing the Chilean fjords and Cape Horn. Having Pilots is mandatory as per Maritime regulations of the country.

Jordi