CRUISING THE CHILEAN FJORDS

The fjords and channels of Chile are best visited during the summer months of December, January and February, which have the most settled weather. Westerly winds usually dominate, although any northerlies usually bring rain and poor visibility.

All visiting yachts need to notify the SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero) agency (www.sag.cl) in Chile at least 24-48 hours prior to arrival. Regulations state that foreign yachts must have a pilot on board unless they are fully insured. Cruisers will need to give a detailed itinerary as the Armada de Chile (mrccchile@directemar.cl) controls all vessel movement.

Foreign vessels arriving directly from another foreign port must contact the port captain on VHF Ch 16 on arrival. No one can leave the boat until immigration and quarantine have visited. The skipper can then visit Customs. Once in Chile, cruising yachts must contact the port captain (VHF Ch 16) at every port they visit and report to the maritime authority office.

Exit papers, known as zarpe, are needed when leaving every port, and without one yachts can’t cruise the Chilean channels and fjords.

There are entry/exit fees in Chile. Yachts up to 25 tonnes pay US$3.11 when entering or leaving the country. Yachts from 25-100 tonnes must pay US$51 every time the vessel leaves or enters a Chilean port or marina.

A good source of information can be found in The Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego Nautical Guide by Mariolina Rolfo & Giorgio Ardrizzi, 3rd edition (Editrice Incontri Nautici, £85) with updates at www.capehorn-pilot.com.