Where we at?

Wintering in Patagonia

The town of Ushuaia, thought to be the furthermost southern town in the world, seemed inaccessible. But actually, Puerto Williams in Chile is even further south and was chosen as the place where the sailboat Maewan would spend the winter.

We arrive at the port of Micalvi, where we anchor our boat behind six others, attached to a stranded cargo container that now functions as pontoon.

Puerto Williams is a military settlement that is slowly developing and now counts around 3000 residents. An airport, a school, businesses, a brand new fishing port with travel lifts for boats.

With Gérard, we go immediately to the harbour master’s office to try to arrange a dry spot for Maewan’s overwintering on land. I am never at ease if I have to leave the boat in the water, and the latest experiences do not reassure me.
After some negotiation, they find a spot for us until September. Excellent – I intend to start the journey again then. Except that the crane-operator has left today for a 15-day holiday!

So, I take advantage of those 15 days to meet the school director and the marine club “CEDENA”, which initiates and trains all children of the island in marine sports, free of charge. They take advantage of the opportunity to speak to me about the island’s history, the Yagans (the native population), and the conservation of their environment. We share the same interests, so we decide together to organise an intervention with Maewan upon our return with Marion.

15 days go by. The COVID-19 Pandemic spreads and airports close. The crane operator returns, Maewan is lifted from the water and I stabilise it with some chainsawed trunks. I attach the mat to the gate in case the wind blows too forcefully…just in time to get the paperwork done and reach the airport which is about to close. Luckily, a small aircraft serves Punta Arenas, and I can return to France.

See you soon Maewan, we will be back in shape and utterly motivated for the next adventures!

Erwan