Falkland Islands

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Revision as of 23:27, 16 February 2011

Falkland Islands Cruising Guide

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to the Falkland Islands.

Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands Click for larger view
Flag
Capital:	Stanley
Language:	English
Currency:	Falkland Islands Pound which has parity with Pounds Sterling which are also in circulation.
Time Zone	UTC - 4H Between September and April Summer Time is kept, UTC – 3H
More notes about the country

The Falkland Islands are a self governing British Overseas Territory.

Describe the cruising/sailing in the region.

Climate & Weather

Lying south of 50 degrees south and surrounded by the cold Falklands Current the islands have a fairly hard climate. Westerly gales are common at all times of the year and it can snow in any month. Rainfall however is relatively low, being in the order of 635 mm a year. The average temperature throughout the year is 5.6* C with a range of -6*C to 21*C and wind chill is often a factor to be considered. U/V radiation is often high while it can snow in any month of the year.

Weather Forecasts

• FIBS, The Falkland Islands Broadcasting Service, gives regular weather forecasts on 530 kHz and on a number of FM frequencies including 88.3 MHz . Times are Monday to Friday - 0710, 0810, 0910, 1010, 1610,1710,1815 & 2030 LT . Saturday - 0910, 1010, 1815 and 2030 LT. Sunday 1815 and 2030 LT.
• 'FishOps' gives a maritime forecast for the FICZ on 4066.1 kHz USB at 0830 Local Time each day.
• Valparaiso ( Playa Ancha ) transmits weather faxes - the eastern limits of which include the Falklands- on 4226.1, 8675.1, and 17144.5 MHz.

Charts

• A basic portfolio of charts should include
  • BA 2505 Approaches to the Falklands
  • BA 2512 The Falklands
  • BA 2536 Port William to Choiseul Sound
  • BA 2547 Port Salvador to Port William
  • BA 1614 Stanley Harbour and Approaches

Special Navigation Notes

Any navigation notes here.

Local Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

• The Patagonian Cruisers’ Net covers yachts in Falklands waters on 8164 kHz USB at 0900 Chilean Time each day.

Arrival/Departure procedures

Arrival

Stanley is the only 'port of entry' for yachts. Notice of arrival and berthing intentions should be given when crossing the ‘Reporting Line’ which is between Volunteer Pt and Cape Pembroke at the eastern end of Port William. Contact in the first instance should be made with ‘FishOps’ on VHF Ch 16.

Departure

Upon departure a call should be made, once again, to ‘FishOps’ on Ch 16 when crossing the ‘Reporting Line’

Immigration

Both Customs and Immigration visit the yacht for clearance on arrival. In the first instance a 4 week visa is given. At the end of the 28 days an extension can be obtained by visiting Immigration at Byron House, 3 'H' Jones Road, Stanley Phone +500 27340 . It is possible to stay in the Falklands for 12 months out of every 24.

A visa is not required if you hold one of the following passports.- Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City.

Customs

With the exception of tobacco and alcohol there is no duty or VAT in the Falklands.

Quarantine

As the Falkland Islands are free of Foot and Mouth disease together with many vegetable diseases there are strict biosecurity laws in force.

Ports & Popular Stops

• Port Stanley

Offshore Islands

Details?

Health

Submit any health warnings/information.

Security

The locals don't bother locking their front doors....

Transportation

• LAN operates a weekly service every Saturday between Santiago, Punta Arenas and Mt Pleasant Airport. Mt Pleasant Airport lies some 30 miles SW of Port Stanley.
• There are two flights a week to and from Brize Norton, UK, via Asenscion Island. While these are military charter flights they do carry civilian passengers.

Cruiser's Friends

• Members of the Falkland Islands Yacht Club can provide visiting yachts with all the information and assistance they require.

Forum Discussions

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

External Links

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

References & Publications

• South America Pilot Vol. II (NP 6) 17th (2008) edition. British Admiralty Sailing Directions. This volume covers the southern coasts of South America from Cabo Tres Puntas to Cabo Ráper, together with the Falkland Islands.
• 'Falkland Islands Shores, Ewan Southby-Tailyour, Nautical Publishing, 1985.
• 'Supplement to Falkland Island Shores', Pete and Annie Hill, RCC Cruising Foundation, 1993/94.
• 'Falkland Islands Ports and Harbours Information -2011'. Issued by Fishery Operations and provided free upon arrival.

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