Location 54° 58S, 69° 00W
Tuesday 12.04.2007

At noon on December 4th, the Schooner Maggie B was at 54° 58S, 069° 00W, just passing Isla del Diablo in the Beagle Straits. The wind continues to be 10-35 knots directly behind us, whistling down the channel, bringing rain, sleet and snow with it.

We have come 1199 NM from Puerto Montt and have 48 NM to go to Puerto Williams and 84 NM to go to the Horn. We should be tied up at Micalvi Yacht Club in Puerto Williams by dinner time tonight. The Yacht Club is run by the Armada and consists of a former ammunition ship, half sunk on purpose to be a base. We expect it to be full of characters.

We are setting plans to do all our tasks tomorrow: refuel diesel and propane, restock food, mail letters, do laundry, refresh our Zarpa with the Armada, and clear Customs and Immigration.

The weather just might let us go on the 6th. That day is supposed to be pretty good. Light winds — only 15-20 knots. Maybe even clear. The problem is the 7th, when the next front is due, with winds of 30-40 knots. Our choices are three: wait in Puerto Williams for the prospect of two good days together; leave on the 6th and either A) keep going after the Horn (if we leave at 6 AM, would be around at @ 1700), or B) tuck in one of the two safe nearby anchorages after passing the Horn and wait out the blow. We’ll see.

All is well.