Position 54:56.86 S 070:46.62 W

We awoke in Caleta Brecknock to a much reduced snowline, with snow now down to about 30 metres above the water.  The temperature has significantly dropped as we have progressed south, and this has been exacerbated by the absence of sunshine. From our protected Anchorage, you could just make out the white horses on the tops of the waves as they rolled up the fjord.

After an early morning session of navigation theory, we set off, and there was a distinct feel that we were in for a bit of a blow.  As we were exited from the fjord the wind freshened, and we were certainly glad of our shortened sail to 2 reefs.  As we picked our way through the archipelago of islands, the wind increased to near gale force, with many squalls bringing snow and hail, which bit into any exposed flesh in the sub zero conditions.  The beauty of Pelagic is that it has a wheelhouse which offers watertight protection, but everyone chose to helm from outside, inhaling the environment, and occasionally a bit of snow.

Stunning mountainous terrain is the norm now, and you have to remind yourself to grab your camera, instead of thinking, “oh look, another mountain”, but occasionally the light is just right to help inspire you to capture the image for posterity, however sometimes you just want to sit back, chill out, and take it all in.

All of the peace and tranquillity is interrupted by the hustle bustle of the teaching, with the need to press with the course.  We are nearly getting round to what I expected to teach, after having to bring up a few of the students, from near zero knowledge, to being able to hold their own on the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster theory course – I have to say it has been very hard at times.

I have been sporting my new hat today which I brought on a recent trip to Bulgaria.  It is a Russian military type hat, which got a big cheer from the Russians onboard, however it does have a lot of windage, and in 30kts, I have to hold it on, but it is so warm, and from the comfort of the wheelhouse there is no wind.

Our trip ended today with us anchoring in Puerto Engano, which is a beautiful little bay.  Again Stewart chose a position to give us great protection with the forecast wind. Tomorrow we are off to see a glacier, at close range, and may have a lot of ice around the boat, so I just can’t wait.

Ian Jinks on Pelagic signing out