Cape Horn Feb 1st

Hollinsclough - Is the World Round?
Tue 2 Feb 2010 01:32

Rounding the Horn February 1st   2010

 

Passed Cabo Hornos light on a transit from west to east at 13.30 Feb 1st. ‘Rounding the ‘Orn! Wild rolling flat green mountains with battle scared rock faces.

 

Never mind the view. Hooters, cheers and thanks to God in a resplendent action of all things sailing. Three other sail yachts sighted and as we cleared Espolon point, southern tip of Horn Island we found our second cruise liner of the day. Six hundred feet of the Delphin lay at anchor below the rocky landing beach of the Horn light. Tennis court on the top deck!

 

55.57.50 S    67.17.40 W

 

Famous metal statue of the Wandering Albatross was epic, what a setting, erected for the memory of sailors who have lost their lives in this water. A visit to the light house, 1912 and all. Climbed the stairs covered in sailing burgee flags and saluted all those who have helped us arrive here. The Armada navy station stamped our passports, takes a whole page, coolest print in book. 

 

The armada Navy Sergeant on his year tour of duty said westerly winds often make ninety knots but blows from the north rarely go over twenty five. Time to run. We fled headlong into fifteen knots of northerly for a ten mile dash back into the protection of the small islands. An evening return anchorage at Caleta Martial, Herschel Island, still fifty five south. Swell on the rocks like thunder when the third set lands.