See also Sailing to Antarctica
Sailing expeditions to Cape Horn from Puerto Williams, Chile, on the sailing yacht Sonabia.
Cape Horn, the southernmost cape of America, is feared among sailors for its strong winds and dangerous waves.
Today, navigation tools (electronic charts, weather forecast, communications) allow to sail safely around Cape Horn, but only when the weather allows it.
Cape Horn (Isla Hornos) [2]
However, Cape Horn is much more than a black rock. Horn Island is impressive and different every time. Even in good weather, you can feel the power of the sea.
The Wollaston archipelago (to which Horn Island belongs) is free from human presence, shaped by the sea and the wind. The wildlife is abundant (seals, whales, dolphins, penguins, albatros…).
Wollaston Islands [3]
Sailing to Cape Horn is a trip towards wilderness and one of the best preserved sites of the planet.
Sonabia sails around Cape Horn since 2012. Sonabia is based in Puerto Williams. Every year, Sonabia sails around Cape Horn during the austral summer (October to March).
Our sailing model is different from other boats: we wait for a favorable weather, so that we can sail safely. We don’t sail at fixed dates. This explains our success rate: 96% (24 successful trips out of 25 until 2020)
There are generally 3-4 weather windows every month, i.e., you have to stay about 10 days in Navarino for a fair probability to sail towards Cape Horn.
The trip to Cape Horn typically lasts 4 days (3 to 6 days, according to weather). We stop every night in a fishing port (Puerto Toro) or a Caleta (sheltered mooring). At the right time, we round the Horn Island, crossing the line between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Route Puerto Williams – Cape Horn
When? from October to March.
Weather? variable, sometimes “4 seasons in one day”. When rounding the Cape, the conditions vary from calm and sunny to 35 knots wind and 3.5m waves and more (only if the crew wants heavy weather).
How long do I say in Puerto Williams? minimum 8-10 days. Flexible return dates are recommended.
How many people? Between 1 and 4 persons + skipper.
Budget, travel, accomodation? contact us
Legal aspects. Sonabia is affiliated to the non-profit association Navigation, Mer et Nature.
Feel the Cape Horn
