We sailed around Cape Horn this morning at 6:30 am.
Although
not the most southerly point of South America, (which are the Diego Ramírez
Islands) Cape Horn marks the northern boundary of the Drake Passage (which separates the continents of South America and Antarctica). For many
years it was a major milestone on the clipper route, by which sailing ships
carried trade around the world (they take the shortcut through the Panama Canal nowadays). However, the waters around the Cape are particularly hazardous, owing
to strong winds, large waves, strong currents and icebergs; these dangers have
made it notorious as a sailors' graveyard.
Pictured below- unlucky sailors near Cape Horn, late 1800's
Luckily on our passing the ocean was very calm. The Captain said that this was as good as it gets. We have now crossed from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic.
Below- map and photo of Cape Horn
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