Punta Arenas

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Contents 1 Punta Arenas 1.1 Background 1.2 Charts 1.3 Radio Nets 1.4 Port Facilities 1.5 Check-in facilities 1.6 Marinas & Yacht Clubs 1.7 Anchorages 1.8 Tourism & things to do ashore 1.9 Marine stores 1.10 Offshore Islands 1.11 References & Publications 1.12 Cruiser's Friends 1.13 Forum Discussions 1.14 External Links 1.15 Personal Notes 2 Contributors to this page [add 3 tildes (~~~) on the name line] 3 Cruising Wiki Navigation

Punta Arenas

GPS: DD°M.M′N/S, DD°M.M′E/W

Background

Punta Arenas ( Sandy Point) was settled in 1848 after the failure of a settlement at Fuerte Bulnes, down the coast towards Cabo Froward, which had been established some five years previously.

The main reason for the establishment and ongoing existence of Punta Arenas was as a coaling port for steamers voyaging between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This brought a period of prosperity to the city which was enhanced by the wool industry which flourished from about 1890 onwards. The coaling industry went into a rapid decline after the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 however the port is still busy and the old prosperity can be seen in the architecture of the city centre.

It now has a population in the order of 120,000.

Charts

Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Patagonian Cruisers' Net, 8164 USB, 0900 Chilean Local Time daily.

Port Facilities

Punta Arenas still has just a single finger pier, Muelle Prat - designed for large ships, jutting out into an open roadstead. While this roadstead is sheltered from the prevailing NW'ly winds it is very open to winds from all other directions. Yachts did call here in the 50's and 60's but today with the availability of the two ports in Canal Beagle there is really no need. Rarely do you meet a yacht that has spent time here and not incurred some damage.

Check-in facilities

Punta Arenas is an Armada port, normal requirements regarding Zarpes apply. The Capitania de Puerto, Immigration, Aduana and a decent Supermercado all lie within a block of the Mulle Prat gate. It is possible to complete all formalities, store ship and be on your way within 3 hours.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Nil

Anchorages

There are no safe all weather anchorages along this shore. The nearest one is at Porvenir, 19 miles away across Magallanes on Tierra del Fuego. Bahia Mansa to the south, while not sheltered from the east, is a handy place to wait for suitable weather to clear in and out of Punta Arenas.

Tourism & things to do ashore

Marine stores

• Ultramar Agencias Maritima Ltda are the local chart agents. They are at Independencia 865.

Offshore Islands

List Islands

References & Publications

Publications, etc.

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)

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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