Day 2

Day 2 is calm but very wet

We left Punta Arenas about 2200 on Sunday night. It was both exciting and subdued because a lot of us were quite tired by then. It had been a really warm day but by about 1800 it was getting cool and of course after dark it is much colder.

Until 10 March we, the voyage crew, have it a bit easy because we won’t start the watch system properly while we are still in the channels. I have an upper bunk against the hull so I can hear the water beyond the wood. Last night I was very warm but that will change when the water temperature drops. My biggest challenge was going to the loo, avoiding unseemly (and cabin-mate awakening) grunting as I clambered back into bed.

Today it is colder and much wetter. The mountains and hills of the islands scattered across the Magellan Strait are receding shapes of grey and black, appearing from the low clouds and then receding again. It is a monochrome arena, from bright flashes of white on gulls flying low over the water, to dark black islands shadowed by higher peaks beyond.

The sea is flattened under the rain and there is almost no wind. The engine is rumbling away and a few sails are hoisted to help us along. I (and others) almost want the rougher weather to come so we can get the seasickness over with.

This morning was our safety familiarisation. After lunch, we start learning to climb.