Puerto Williams

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Puerto Williams, Chile

GPS: 54°56.0′S, 67°36.1′W

Puerto Williams panorama
Photo: Frank Holden - sv Westerly Serenade

Background

This is the administrative centre for Magallanes y Antártica Chilena. Its primary purpose is as an Armada base and a good percentage of the population are either armada personnel or their dependants. Puerto Williams has a population of about 2200. It is the first port of entry for yachts arriving in Chile from Argentina and the Atlantic. Yachts lie alongside the hulk Micalvi which can be very busy in the summer months with arriving and departing yachts.

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Communication

Submit details of local radio Nets.

Routes to/from

Puerto Williams is the jumping off point for yachts doing either the 'Circuito de Ventisqueros' or the 'Circuito de Hornos' and also for yachts heading north through the channels to Puerto Montt.

Check-in facilities

Capitania de Puerto in Winter
Photo: Frank Holden - sv Westerly Serenade

One hour before ETA call 'Puerto Williams Radio' on VHF 16. Call again after securing alongside 'Micalvi'. If arriving from a foreign port Armada/immigration/customs and quarantine are all dealt with at the office of the Capitánia de Puerto. On arrival a time shall be given to attend the office with the entire ship's company.

If arriving from the north or returning from a Circuito de Ventisqueros or a Circuito de Hornos the captain must call at the office of the Capitánia de Puerto with the Zarpe from the last port. It is then a simple matter of giving the ship's details and signing the book.

Check-out facilities

Go to the Capitánia with a written request for a Zarpe listing crew, planned itinerary, and ETA next port. If leaving Chile for Argentina or elsewhere all formalities are completed at the Capitánia.

As of March 2009 Zarpes for the 'Circuito de Ventisqueros' were again being issued for 30 days to cruising boats.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Winter in Williams
Photo: Frank Holden - sv Westerly Serenade

Club Naval de Yates Micalvi is based on the hulk of the old Armada transport Micalvi which is a historic monument. Yachts simply raft up alongside. The facility is owned and managed by the Armada. There is metered 240 volt power available ( the big blue plugs...euro type?) as well as FW when the pipes aren't frozen. Hot showers are available. There are garbage reception facilities but waste engine oil must be taken to the Armada workshop a few hundred metres up the road. Rates are reasonable starting at around $US8 a day depending on season and length of stay. During the summer it can be very busy with yachts coming and going by day and night. Be prepared for a steady flow of people from charter yachts across your decks, many of them with limited sailing nous and agricultural footwear. During 2011 a considerable amount of work has been done on Micalvi including new shower amenties, a complete new deck and a refurbished bar.

Micalvi in the high season
Photo: Frank Holden - sv Westerly Serenade
Micalvi in the low season
Photo: Steve Hurst - sv Westerly Serenade

Anchorages

To the NW of Micalvi lies Seno Lauta, it is possible to anchor in this seno with the permission of the Capitánia.

Tourism & things to do ashore

There are many good walks to the south of the town, some being of several days duration. The town has several small bars and restaurants.

There is an ATM at the Banco de Chile. ENTEL provide broad band wifi internet coverage and modems can be purchased in the town, cost is reasonable at about US$18 a week for unlimited usage. There is also internet at the school library ( free but limited hours and you have to wait your turn..). There are several call centres.

Marine stores

Nil, there is however a small hardware store in the plaza.. There is also a gasfitter in the town. All basic facilities are available in the town including gas (propane), diesel, and petrol. There are 3 (very) small supermercados .. (the term supermercado is used in Chile to describe what in other parts of the world would be called a general store). All foodstuffs such as you would expect to find in a town of this size can be purchased.

The new ferry 'Yahgan' arrives from Punta Arenas every Friday morning. It is possible to arrange for food , spare parts, etc to be shipped down on this ferry from Punta Arenas.

Getting there

DAP operates a daily Twin Otter service between here and Punta Arenas in summer which reduces to three days of the week in winter. Flights need to be booked at least several weeks in advance.

The new ro-ro ferry 'Yahgan' operates a weekly passenger and freight service between Puerto Williams and Punta Arenas.

The RIB 'Calafate' operates between Puerto Navarino and Ushuaia in the summer and a mini bus connects with Pto Williams as required. As of December 2011 there was also a small ferry running between Puerto Williams and Ushuaia on several days of the week.

Offshore Islands

Nil

References & Publications

Nil

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

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