THE FACTS
Location: Chile, South America
Start point: Puerto Montt
Best time to visit: November - March
Activities: Sailing (all aspects of seamanship), swimming, exploring in the tender, fishing, wildlife observation
Duration: 6 days
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1: Arrive in Chile, Santiago International Airport, and transfer onto a domestic flight to Puerto Montt. On arrival in Puerto Montt there will be a 30 min transfer from the airport to the marina.
When we arrive at the yacht the rest of the day will be spent having safety briefs, familiarisation of the yacht and unpacking personal gear into the cabins. There will be a chance to have a seaside stroll to unwind from the flying and breathing in some salty sea breeze! Dine in Puerto Montt in the evening and see a little of this interesting city.
Day 2: An early start as we push out of the marina and skirt round Tenglo Island into the Reloncavi Bay, South of Puerto Montt. We’ll be viewing snowcapped volcanoes to the East and have our eyes peeled for signs of dolphins and sea lions.
Halfway through the day we head out into the larger Gulf of Ancud and pass near the shore line to view some permanent sea lion colonies. Then we head into a picturesque estuary, aiming to drop anchor at the very Southern end next to some thermal springs heading ashore to have a soothing soak.
Day 3: There is a beautiful river entering the estuary next to the anchorage, this can be explored or fished (catch and release only please) and there are trails off into the forested hills to get some good vantage points for photography.
Back on the yacht we head North back up the estuary, past waterfalls raining down off the mountainside, and arrive in a small area with a maze of islands. When we drop the anchor tonight in the shade of a suitable island, a beach BBQ is on the cards.
Day 4: We cross the Gulf of Ancud Westward from the mainland towards the large island of Chiloe and the hundreds of islands lying around it.
As we leave the mainland, a better view of the Andes will appear. Dolphins, sea lions, sea otters and even whale sightings are possible on the journey. When the islands are closer we’ll see picturesque farms, then we will seek appropriate shelter and drop anchor.
A shore excursion is possible to have a good stretch of your legs.
Day 5: Half a day sailing today as we weave through the many islands on our way towards Castro, the colourful capital of Chiloe, on the East coast of the main island. Here a few hours are free for you to explore this highly cultural part of Chile. A historic waterfront, magnificent church, welcoming people and a very slow pace of life.
Once back on board the yacht we will head North following the Eastern coast of Chiloe.
Day 6: Today sees us sailing back into the Reloncavi Bay on the Western side this time.
After weaving through more islands, which are homes to agricultural farmers or salmon farmers, we then arrive safely back at the marina, tucked away behind Tenglo Island.
Back into Puerto Montt for a meal at a restaurant tonight with a better understanding of how life revolves around the Chilean coastline and the people who work and live there.
Day 7: A transfer to the airport at Puerto Montt for the domestic flight back to Santiago and the conecting flight home.
"Chile is a bizzarely shaped country. Long and thin, it’s northern extremety is the driest place on earth and the southern is one of the coldest. But somewhere in between lies a sailor’s paradise. Sail through the islands and waterways of southern Chile. Sea lions, dolphins and sea otters trying to pry your eyes off the majestic snowcapped Andes and forrested mountainsides. Share this magical cruising ground with only the local fisherman, the wind and the sound of the water lapping against the hull."
LOOK FORWARD TO
• Hoisting the main, unfurling the headsail and naming the mountains, volcanoes and islands as they drift by.
• Dropping anchor to spend the night in secluded picturesque bays and inlets.
• Blowing away the mental cobwebs of sailing by using the chart and tidal literature to follow the course of the day.
• Having BBQs ashore, visiting local towns or villages and saluting passing fishermen.
• Forgetting all the worries and stresses of home as you sit on the foredeck watching the bow cutting through the water.
• Swimming in thermal springs that bubble up and then flow into the sea.
GETTING AROUND
There will be short transfers to and from the airport in vehicles. The rest of the time WILL be spent on the yacht, in the tender exploring, or on foot as you stroll around onshore.
EATING AND SLEEPING
Eating will mainly be done on the boat and all forms of healthy food shall be served. Chile is a land where fresh produce is plentiful. There will be two pre-arranged and paid for meals in restaurants at the beginning and end of the trip. We will have a BBQ on a beach one night and also, if you choose, when you stroll ashore you can purchase and eat whatever you feel like.
All sleeping will be on the yacht, two nights will be in the marina at Puerto Montt and the rest at anchor in the surrounding area.
