Puerto Madryn

21 December 2023

Puerto Madryn

Just after the Orcas left, Mother Nature didn’t stop entertaining us. All the time during this voyage, we were accompanied by various birds. The most impressive ones were for sure the Albatross – which I – and probably most of the crew and guests have seen for the first time. Most of our nights were quite dark, as we were sailing during the new moon. But that was the perfect chance to gaze at the stars of the southern hemisphere. Our well-known friend Orion was soon found and we also discovered „new“ star signs such as the Southern Cross. Then there followed a few colder days with a bit rougher weather. The ship started to roll and jumped through the waves and tested everybody’s sea legs. On the last quite windy night, we successfully gibed at around 2 am and then headed straight towards Puerto Madryn.

As a reward, we got to see the most intense and shiny bioluminescence in the waves I have ever witnessed. Even though the sky was covered in clouds, the glowing algae painted pictures into the ocean, and we saw schools of fish escaping the ship in front of the bow. And then there was the arrival day. The sun came out and the temperature went back to „Summer“. As we spotted the rough coastline of the Peninsula Valdes, I went up the mast with Scott and Susan, two of our guests, to furl the square sails. What a view from up here! I didn’t expect such a dry and vast landscape. Nevertheless, the beaches here are covered with sea lions and penguins. We dropped anchor in the dark and were welcomed by a curious sea lion who jumped out of the water a few times to get a glimpse of the ship. The following day the wind and the waves didn’t allow us to drive the dinghy to shore. So, we entertained ourselves on the boat with rope lessons, tours to the engine room, a last climb to the mast and a Quiz Night to end our journey.

Here in the – not so sheltered – bay of Puerto Madryn the nights are spent with anchor watches.  One night I got entertained by a thunderstorm. The anchor was holding so I got the chance to capture the lightning. The next morning it was time to say goodbye. A lot of happy faces left the ship. But the crew didn’t stay alone for a long time, as the next day the DARWIN Leaders came on board, for their week of research and work on their projects. As I am writing this, they have already left, and we are preparing the ship for the next voyage to the Islas Malvinas / Falklands. It’s going to be a special one, as Christmas is just around the corner. Sure, we already set up – and lashed – our Christmas tree in the saloon. So, in advance Merry Christmas to everybody! We will heave anchor on the 21 of December and spend Christmas doing what we love: Sailing.

Nadine