Back At The Helm: Sailing the Yaghan to Antarctica, Patagonia, and the South

In December 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to join a sailing expedition to Antarctica, Patagonia, and the South aboard the Yaghan, a 140-foot schooner. The journey was an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and challenging conditions.

Setting Sail from Ushuaia

Our expedition began in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. As we set sail from the port, we were greeted by a pod of playful dolphins, a fitting send-off for our adventure.

Back at the helm - sailing the Yaghan to Antarctica, Patagonia and the South Pacific

by Helene Martensson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1166 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Sailing the Beagle Channel

Our first stop was the Beagle Channel, a stunning waterway that separates Tierra del Fuego from the mainland. The channel is named after the HMS Beagle, the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his famous expedition to the Galapagos Islands. As we sailed through the channel, we were treated to views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and dense forests.

Entering the Southern Ocean

After passing through the Beagle Channel, we entered the Southern Ocean, one of the most remote and unforgiving bodies of water on Earth. The seas were rough, and the winds were strong, but the Yaghan handled the conditions with ease.

Encountering Wildlife

One of the highlights of the expedition was the abundance of wildlife that we encountered. We saw penguins, seals, whales, and a variety of seabirds. One particularly memorable encounter was with a group of humpback whales that swam alongside the Yaghan for several hours.

Exploring Antarctica

After several days of sailing, we finally reached Antarctica. The continent was even more awe-inspiring than I had imagined. We spent several days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, visiting penguin colonies, glaciers, and icebergs.

Patagonia and the South

After leaving Antarctica, we sailed north along the coast of Patagonia. Patagonia is a rugged and beautiful region, with towering mountains, glaciers, and fjords. We visited several ports in Patagonia, including Puerto Natales, Chile, and El Calafate, Argentina.

Challenges

While the expedition was an incredible experience, it was not without its challenges. The weather was often harsh, with strong winds and high seas. There were also times when we were forced to change our plans due to icebergs or other hazards. However, the crew of the Yaghan was always professional and capable, and they ensured that we had a safe and enjoyable journey.

Back at the helm - sailing the Yaghan to Antarctica, Patagonia and the South Pacific

by Helene Martensson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1166 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	237 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE