Location 48° 11S, 74° 46W
Monday 11.26.2007

The Schooner Maggie B was at 48° 11S, 074° 46W at noon on November 26th. We were proceeding SSE down Canal Messier at 8.2 knots under reduced sail and engine, pushed by a favorable tide. We hope to make Glacier Seno by about 1700, where we may be able to spend the night, depending on wind and ice.

We have come 567 NM from Puerto Montt and have 540 NM to go to the Horn.

Last night we got what is apparently a typical Gulfo de Penas spanking. There was a proper NW’erly gale with winds sustained for a while above 40 knots. We sailed with the main with three reefs and jib, and the Maggie B handled it well. The waves were large and confused, breaking all around us, but not often on the boat. All watches got wet and cold and no stomaches were unsettled. We made the famous light at San Pedro at a little after dawn and we were as happy to see it as the lighthouse keepers were surprised to see us.
We found, or caused a one foot rip in the main between second and third reef, which seems contained and fixable on board (Hannah! Help!). During one of our reefing evolutions, one of the lines looped around the helm station Furuno display and ripped it free of its mounting. The display is fine, but the balance arm is only good for recycling.

As the wind petered out and we started the engine and the Newport Stove, we have been mostly able to dry out and warm up.
Our plan is to head in to the glacier and see if a nice cove on the north side is relatively ice free for us to stay tonight. If not, we will admire the glacier and slide back out ten miles to a snug anchorage (Caleta Yvonne) near the mouth of the fjord.

All is well.