Essentials for cruising in Patagonia

Plenty of anchor chain and a good windlass

Shore lines – minimum 2 x 100m floating rope (Ithaka had 4 x 110m 22mm polypropelene)

Storage for shore lines (eg a plastic barrel cut in half, laundry baskets)

The dinghy must be quick to launch

Kelp cutter – machete/pruning saw on pole

Cabin heater and good ventilation

Insulation – double glazing for windows and hatches can be made from 1mm-thick clear plastic (as sprayhood windows) attached by Velcro or 1mm rigid polycarbonate, more permanently attached with Sikaflex

Spares for everything – you’ll need to be self-sufficient

Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego Nautical Guide by Mariolina Rolfo and Giorgio Ardrizzi. (www.capehorn-pilot.com)