March 1st: Cape Horn Rounded

Alan here: just a quick update; at 10:30 last night we rounded Cape Horn. It
is just past 10 am and we are now entering Puerto Williams, Chile, marking
the end of the Drakes Passage.

Chris and I will have tales to tell until we are old and grey of the final
parts of the passage. The winds topped 50 knots, with a confused swell the
boat rolled and heaved unpredictably. Any attempt at movement in the boat
needed full concentration and 3 points of hold. Sleeping was nearly
impossible as the boat tipped over on its side trying to throw you out of
your bunk, even with the lee cloth attempting to strap us in. The boat
creaked, squeaked, thumped, bottles clanged and rolled around. The wind
screamed through the rigging.

To non sailors hitting a top speed of 10.5 knots probably won't sound fast,
but for an 80 ton vessel purely under sail that was really moving.

Anyway, the mood has lifted enormously on the boat. Happy smiles all round
as the thought of a warm shower, and most of all stepping back on land. A
green land now as we are surrounded by tree clad hills.

Have to go, excitement to high to keep typing.