Update 5 – Cape Horn

What a feast the cooks prepared – Chris took control of a lamb roast (no
left overs), and a team effort produced a sausage casserole, and pumpkin
soup to feed us during the crossing.

After another night tucked in the relative quiet of Calate Marchialle,
we all rose at 4.30am, had a quick breakfast (the porridge was good) and
motored across to Cape Horn. After the weather of the previous two days
it was amazingly calm as we anchored off the Horn. It was in fact
crowded as the Chilian Navy were exchanging staff and reprovisioning the
house at Cape Horn, and a Chilian cruise ship overtook us on the way in.
No room on the landing platform.

The challenge of the day was the assembly of the zodiac. It took all of
us and a few strong boots to assemble and inflate the heavy, floppy
beast on the deck of Spirit. Darryl worked his magic on the outboard
and we zipped in through a bed of kelp landing on slippery rocks along
the shore. The steps to the top gave us all some exercise. The tiny
church was very spiritual, and the monuments austere atop the windy
bluff. We did the touristy thing and our passports were processed with
the Cape Horn stamp. The cruise ship passengers didn't land, only
coming in by zodiac to touch the land, so we had the place to ourselves.

Farewell mainland, Antarctica here we come! Deflating and stowing the
zodiac is ever so much easier than assembling it. Leaving at 11am
yesterday we hoisted the sails and set a course toward Deception Island.
The sailing has been interesting, strong winds, lumpy seas, squally
showers, and fine sunny periods. We've made speeds as high as 20.2
knots, and regularly sailed at 10-12 knots. The seasick sailors are
recovering and we're all happy and well. Its much easier handling the
yacht in 30knot plus winds and 3-5metre swells than when we started.
We're becoming accustomed to sleeping when we can and cooking while
braced. (even tea and coffee are a mission)

Albatross and storm petrels have been flying around the yacht most of
the way – they are amazing birds, so graceful and masters of the air.

We crossed the convergence just before 2 pm this afternoon and the
temperature has dropped - water temp now 2deg C. We're making good
time, and the weather is expected to hold a similar pattern for the rest
of the crossing. If we do get a calm patch then showers will be the
order of the day – a welcome treat for us all!

Posted by Joy