Located on Isla Navarino about 25 miles east and a bit south of the Argentinian city of Ushuaia, Puerto Williams, Chile, proudly calls itself the southernmost town in the world.
Home to a large Armada (Chilean Navy) base, in normal years Puerto Williams has also become somewhat of a base camp. Trekkers and backpackers stage here for exploring the wilderness and isolation of Isla Navarino, and sailors gather to make preparations before heading to (and repairs after returning from) both Cape Horn and the Antarctic peninsula.
For cruising boats, activity is centered around the Micalvi, a decommissioned Chilean munitions vessel and later a supply ship, that has been grounded on the edge of town and now serves as a dock for both local and visiting boats. Sailing yachts of all shapes and conditions tie to the side of Micalvi, rafting side to side to end up with six or even seven boats in a line.
In normal times, a small bar provides a natural gathering place for sailors from around the planet to gather, compare notes, and trade stories. During pandemic times the bar has of course been closed, but the note comparing and story trading continues – just outside on the deck between rain squalls.
After two months of cruising in the channels, it’s a nice change to be back in civilization.
