Chilean Patagonia
After 35 days at sea, the “Patagonia by Patín a vela” expedition has reached the Isthmus of Ofqui, one of the most historic and emblematic passages for inland navigation in Chilean Patagonia. Reaching this point marks one of the first major milestones of the voyage, which aims to connect Puerto Montt with Puerto Williams by sailing exclusively in traditional vessels.
The expedition consists of sailors Didac Costa, an ocean racer with three round-the-world voyages and two participations in the Vendée Globe, and Guillermo Cañardo, a sailor and promoter of the traditional sailing dinghy. They are exploring Patagonia aboard two sailing boats (Patín a vela), a traditional Mediterranean vessel characterized by its great simplicity: it has no engine, rudder, or keel, and is steered solely by the sailor’s position and sail control.
During these five weeks of sailing, the sailors have navigated the inland channels of southern Chile, facing highly variable weather conditions, with shifting and gusty winds, frequent rain, and the unstable weather characteristic of the region. The combination of narrow channels, mountainous terrain, and strong local wind effects makes this area one of the most demanding environments for sailing.
At this stage, the expedition has also reached Laguna San Rafael, one of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes. Access is via the Témpanos River, which the navigators entered entirely under sail, taking advantage of the river’s favorable current—a particularly significant maneuver for vessels without mechanical propulsion.
The journey now continues south through the Patagonian channels with the goal of completing the route to Puerto Williams, in the far south of Chile, demonstrating the possibility of exploring these territories sustainably, independently, and using traditional boats.
The expedition is part of the “Patagonia by Patín a vela” project, an initiative that seeks to bring traditional navigation to one of the most remote territories on the planet and to highlight a form of exploration based on simplicity, self-sufficiency, and respect for the natural environment.
