Boat International – April 2018

Patagonia

From southern to northern Patagonia, there are

myriad waterways that cut through sky-high

mountain ranges, passing blue glaciers and

pristine anchorages. These virginal cruising

grounds ofer plenty of adventure and chances

to commune with nature – fly-fish on a

mountain-top spring, heli-ski on a volcano or

go whale watching, kayaking and trekking.

“The fjords are very deep, and sometimes you

can be anchored stern-to on rocks next to a

waterfall where you can fill your tanks with

fresh spring water,” says Carlos Miquel,

regional director of South American Super

Yacht Support Services (SASYSS). “Security

isn’t an issue here, and often you won’t see

another yacht for days.”

Charter lowdown: All yachts above 50GT

require a pilot while in Chilean ports, but for

navigation in Patagonian fjords, only yachts

200GT and up require a pilot. Yachts 500GT

and larger will require two pilots if there are

more than eight hours of navigation a day.

“The pilots are full of local knowledge, which

they are eager to share, and know every nook

and cranny along the route,” says Miquel. The

yachting industry is so undeveloped in Chile

that authorities do not yet distinguish between

private and charter yachts, so there are no

additional taxes on charters. It is recommended

to plan the itinerary with a local agent, like

SASYSS, as immigration legislation can afect

the itinerary based on the nationality of the

guests on board.

Choose your yacht: The 83 metre Amels

Here Comes the Sun will be available in

Patagonia in summer 2018, from €1.2 million

per week. Unwind in the beach club and

wellness centre, taking in the epic views.

With a seaplane, helicopter and exceptional

selection of tenders and toys, 63 metre SuRi will

make exploring Patagonia an unforgettable

experience (from $350,000 per week).

Antarctica

Antarctica is the largest wilderness on the

planet, devoid of any development save a few

scientific stations – including the Ukrainian

base in which you’ll find the world’s

southernmost pub. Charter here and guests can

soak in a spa tub sipping champagne while

watching icebergs float by, and visit colonies of

penguins thousands deep. “Because it’s such a

dynamic environment, it’s important to be

flexible,” says Mick Davidson, expedition guide

with EYOS Expeditions. “But because it’s such

Patagonia and
the Andes offer
some of the best
heli-skiing to be
found anywhere

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES. ILLUSTRATIONS: TOM JAY

Patagonia

Antarctica

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