UPDATES - NOVEMBER 2006
1st edition
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General Information
Chapter 1Preparation of the voyage
Page 35CHILE: ENTRY PAPERS
Lighthouse and beacon fees (Faros y Balizas) for 2006 are: US $ 2.42 per TRG per year or US$ 0.98 per ton of TRG for one trip.
A new tax was introduced at the end of October 2004. The fees are as follows:
Yacht from 0 to 25 tons of TRG: each time a yacht enters or leaves the country it must pay 3.00 US$.
The overtime in not applied to this category of yachts.
Yacht from 25 to 1000 tons of TRG: each time a yacht enters or leaves a port or a marina it must pay 41.40 US$.
In overtime the charge will be 50% more i.e. 62.10 US$, more a fee of 2.74 US$ for the office opening.
The overtime is applied in the following periods:
Monday to Fridayfrom 18:01 to 06:59
Saturdayfrom 13:01 to 24:00
Sundayfrom 00:00 to 24:00
Please note:
A yacht less than 25 tons of TRG must pay this tax only when it enters or leaves the country.
A yacht more than 25 tons of TRG must pay each time it enters or leaves a port of Chile, even when it sails in the Chilean waters without leaving the country.
Yachts over 300-ton TRG
A Chilean pilot is compulsory aboard yachts over 300-ton TRG sailing along the Chilean channels.
Daily report of QTH
Vessels are required to communicate the actual position (QTH) every day at 08:00 and 20:00 local time. Skippers without a HF radio, in the event of not being able to use the VHF due to its short range, should contact every vessel along the course, requesting to be reported to the closest Armada station or lighthouses.
As more and more boats have on-board e-mail, it may be useful to point out that it is possible to give 08:00 - 20:00 reports of position to the Armada by e-mail. The form for this is:
To:
Subject: Yate (name of the yacht) QTH
- Date ………. Time ………
- de ...... (first port on zarpe) a ...... (last port on zarpe)
- posición (if anchored you might wish to say “fondeado en Caleta/Puerto ….”)
- próximo Puerto: ...... (name of the next port) - ETA: ...... (date/AM or PM)
It is our understanding that if you file reports in this way, you have fulfilled the Armada's reporting requirements and do not have to worry about radio contact, unless called on VHF.
Chapter 2Insights
Page 76fifth line from the bottom: instead of East of WulaiaRead North of Wulaia
Chapter 4Fauna
Page 130Instead of FAMILY Sternidae Read SUB-FAMILY Sternidae
Chapter 7Meteorology and Forecasts
Page 151The small leaftlet “Instrucciones para la navegación de naves deportivas extranjeras en aguas territoriales chilenas”, published by the Armada de Chile, is no more offered to the yachtsmen. (1/2005)
Page152Main Radio Station (transmitting in voice)
Puerto Montt (CBP)hour 11.25 - 23.25 (UTC) (5/2005)
Magallanes (CBM)hour 00.35 - 12.35 (UTC) (5/2005)
Page 154Valparaíso Radiohour 22:30 Wind forecast 12:00 UTC for next day. (1/2004)
Pilot
Section 1Valdivia to Canal Chacao
Page 164Valdivia
Fuel: the Shell station along the dock of Av. Costanera (Puerto Fluvial) was closed. The only filling station available for yachts is Copec station, located in Niebla, along the northern bank of Río Valdivia, 100 metres upstream the tourist pier.Remarks: the big iron buoy is not longer there. There is now a floating depot/house. (5/2005)
Propane:Toro Julio Alberto - Pedro Aguirre Cerda, 1321 - Las Animas - New phone 294.678
It can refill every kind of tank. Contact the marina personnel or take the bus No. 2 from downtown.
Page 165Valdivia
Painting, GRP repairs, electricity and refrigeration systems, wood work, metal work:
Mecánica Valdivia - Eduardo MöllerGeneral Lagos, 1334 - phone/fax 212.143 - casilla 69-D;
Rodas AlbertoArturo Günther, 1642 - phone 217.844 - E-mail:
Maestranza Walper y CíaBalmaceda, 6963 - phone 212.189 - E-mail:
M&F Naval Service was closed.
Hospitals:Hospital Base - Francia, 2980 - phone 297.650;
Hospital Regional - Bueras, 1003 - phone 297.777.
Page 1671.1 Club de Yates Valdivia
E-mail address: - Web Page: - P.O.Box 454 - VHF Ch. 68
Section 2Chiloé Insular and Continental
Page 179Canal Chacao - Isla Doña Sebastiana Este
Instead offlashing white light with a 5s period Read flashing yellow light with a 5s period
Page 1852.6Caleta Juan Pedro
Instead ofThe N approach is much easier, but only feasible above half-tide,
ReadThe N approach is much easier, but only feasible between half and high-tide…..
Page 1862.7Caleta Mechuque
Remarks: the big iron buoy is not longer there. There is now a floating shed. (5/2005)
Page 1912.12 Castro
Propane it can be obtained, however only Chilean fittings are catered for. If your bottles are furnished with different fittings from the Chilean ones, refills can be arranged by the caretaker of the Marina Quinched, located just S of the entrance of Estéro Castro.
Page 192 new item:
2.12Marina Quinched
LocationS entrance of Estéro Castro - Isla de Chiloé
GPS positionS 42º34’38 - W 73°45’20
Chilean Charts7000-7370
Other ChartsUK 1289-3749 * US 22335-22352
Protection1st - 3rd and 4th quarters
Depth2.5 metres alongside the dock
Bottommud - good
Approacheasy; marked by a light beacon lying on the southern end of Isla Linlinao.
Beware of the small salmonera at the entrance
Remarks: this marina lies just in the S entrance of Estéro Castro, 2.5 miles N of Puerto Chonchi (Canal de Yal). The marina is located in the S part of Caleta Linlinao, in a little basin opening between the mainland (Isla Chiloé) and the little Isletilla Quinched. There is one floating dock accommodating vessels up to 50 feet in length and mooring buoys for yachts up to 50 feet. The multilingual staff of the marina offers transport to the town of Castro and Chonchi. Connections with the bus terminal (Castro) and airport (Puerto Montt) are also available. Propane refill service on request (almost any kind of tanks).
The marina offers the following services:
- slipway;
- water and 220 Volt power supply on the dock;
- diesel and petrol by drums from the town;
- toilets, warm showers, laundry;
- covered shed for repairs - security guards;
- general delivery service (poste restante);
- free Internet service (Wi-Fi);
- restaurant and lodge.
In the marina there is a chandler (Náutica Bannister) dealing with rigging, sale of electronic instrumentation and nautical equipment (ropes, SS cables, terminals, fastenings etc.). Engineers specialised in electrical and electronic installation or repair, GRP repairs, carpentry, repairs of marine engines, painting, hull maintenance, welding, rigging terminals (both swaged and swageless).
Address:Marina Quinched - Chiloé - Casilla 285 - Castro - phone (+56-65) 671.189
E-mail: - Web page:
Page 1992.22 Estéro Huildad
Approachthere are extensive shoals (min depth 3 metres) at the NE of the light; if coming from the N, approach from GPS1 S 43°04’80 - W 73°29’85, then go directly to GPS2 S 43°04’55 - W 73°30’65.
Page 209Marina del Sur
The marina has added a new pontoon. (3/2004)
Page 210- 211Marina Oxxean
The dock reserved to the yachts has been considerably enlarged. (1/2004)
The marina offers the following new services:
-round-the-clock security;
- toilets, hot showers, washing and drying machine; laundry collection and delivery service;
- restaurant - a barbecue area is foreseen for the future;
- travel lift up to 50 tons and 6-metre draft - slipway - drying wall - hull hydrowash service;
- a shed for repairs fitted up with basical tools is foreseen;
There should be the possibility to haul out boats up to 60 tons on the slipway of Isla Tenglo, owned by Marina Oxxean. Inquire the management about this opportunity for a yacht.
The diving school wasclosed down.
The new marina telephone number is: ++56/65/437.801
Page 211Club Deportes Náuticos Reloncaví
GPS positionS 41°30’00 - W 72°59’27
Remarks: this is the first club met in Canal Tenglo going NE. It offers some mooring buoys and floating docks with water and shore power (220V). It can accommodate up to 60 vessels with a maximum draught of 2.5 metres. The rates are reasonable. It is a fast 15 minutes’ bus ride downtown.
Available services include the following:
- VHF monitoring of Ch. 16 during the day;
- round-the-clock security;
- toilets, hot showers and laundry service;
- restaurant;
- slipway, 10-ton crane, 27-ton travel-lift and hull hydrowash service;
- general delivery - lista de correos (poste restante).
The club has a wide area, equipped with water and shore power, where yachts can be hauled and safely left ashore for long periods. The club personnel can do the following work: carpentry, painting, hull maintenance, GRP and mechanical repairs.
Address:Camino a Chinquihue km 7 - Puerto Montt - Xª Región - Casilla Postal 1180
Phone (+56-65) 264.022 - 255.022 - E-mail:
Page 2182.42 Estéro Cahuemó
During thesummer thermal pools caretakers charge 3,000 pesos per person.
Page 2192.45 Caleta Poza de Chumildén
The nice cove used by the local fishermen lying in the E side of the sketch, is not deep enough for any kind of yacht (keel or retractable keel). The only possible anchorage is located south of Isla Cabras, in 10 metres.
Section 3Golfo de Corcovado to Laguna San Rafael
Page 241 New Item
3.8Marina Isla Jéchica
LocationCanal Pérez Norte - Archipiélago de los Chonos - Isla Jéchica
GPS positionS 44°24’55 - W 73°51’50
Chilean Charts800-8200-8400
Other ChartsUK 1288 * US 22360-22370
Protectionfrom all winds
Depth5 metres
Bottommud - good
Approacheasy
Remarks: a new small marina has been inaugurated in Isla Jéchica, right up at the head of a forked inlet named Estéro Chulle. A T dock accommodating yachts up to 50 feet in length was built at the NW end of its western arm, which is deep and clear of dangers (this basin is locally known as Pozo Pedregoso).
Also the eastern arm is navigable, but there is a rock ledge that can be crossed in HW only.
Available services include the following:
- crew house with bedrooms, toilets and hot showers for crew;
- club house with restaurant and dining-room (chart room on the 2st floor); three cabins for 6 guests each;
- round-the-clock security;
- drinking water available by hose from the end of a small dock on the N side of the bay;
- no fuel (only emergency 25 litres diesel) and no provisions;
- sea kayak and trekking excursions available (4 hiking trails).
There is a partly boarded walk from the head of Pozo Pedregoso to a lake (15’ walk). Take your fishing rod!
For more information contact: Marina Jéchica: Sociedad Desarrollo Jéchica - Santiago - Chile
Phone - fax: (+56-02) 624.92.19 - E-mail: - Web page:
Pages 255 - 2563.27 Caleta Manuel
Instead ofApproachwith care; shoals are visible in the entrance channel. A bow-watch is essential to check their location.
ReadApproachwith care; GPS S44°21’50 - W73°06’06. Shoals and rocks are visible in the entrance channel. A bow-watch is essential.
Instead ofThe entrance channel is obstructed by a rock, which must be left to the W
ReadThe entrance channel is obstructed by some rocks, which must be left to the N
Beware to a white underwater rock (1.8 metres) lying in the middle of the southernmost part of the inlet, N of the anchorage we suggest. As the waters of this caleta usually are very transparent, this danger can be detected without any problem: anyway, a bow-watch is essential to check it.
Page 2563.28 Pozo ElyxirInstead ofCanal YacafReadCanal Jacaf
Page 258new item:
3.30Marina Puyuhuapi
LocationN of Seno Ventisquero
GPS positionS 44°19’58 - W 72°34’37
Chilean Charts8000-8500
Other ChartsUK – * US 22360-22370
Protectionall winds
Depth5 metres
Approacheasy
Remarks: right up at the head of the Seno Ventisquero, NW of the village of Puyuhuapi, a small marina with a dock accommodating up to 20 yachts, has been inaugurated in 2005. The marina is very secure (some yachts wintered there), but the rates are quite expensive. The services offered are: water and 220 Volt power supply on the floating dock, toilets, warm showers and laundry, security guards, covered shed for repairs, general delivery service. The management offers a free service with a truck to get you diesel from the Copec garage nearby, where diesel is the normal price, unlike the Bahía Dorita termas (see item 3.29).
Address:Marina de Puyuhuapi - calle Otto Uebel s/n, Comuna Cisnes - XIa Región - Chile
Phone - fax: (+56-67) 325.204 - E-mail: - Web page:
Page 2603.33 Caleta Loca Piel (Seno Morrás)
The salmonera once installed in the bay as been dismantled. We discovered the local name of this caleta: Seno Morrás.
Page 271Puerto Chacabuco
Renew of the tourist permit in Balmaceda: a captain of a yacht reported us that it is quite likely that a more zealous immigration official will require you to cross the border and reach the nearest Argentine settlement (Lago Blanco - 30 km away) where you can spend a few hours before returning to the border for your new tourist permit stamp, the same day.
Page 2733.47ACaleta Punta Lynch
Caleta Punta Lynch is an indentation opening just N of Punta Lynch (GPS position of the entrance: S 45°46’40 - W 73°33’80). When the winds blows strongly in Canal Costa this cove, one of the best of the area, offers a safe anchorage, sheltered from all winds by the dense forest. It is formed by two different bays, separated by a narrow passage. Approaching the outer bay, sail mid channel, to avoid kelp on the S coast.
To enter the inner cove, stay close to the W shore (starboard entering) in order to clear a rock located in the E side of the inner entrance. Once inside the inner pool, let go in 15 metres, then lay out 1 or 2 lines to the trees on the extreme NW shore. There is enough room for 3 yachts. We never checked this anchorage personally, the information we have was reported to us from many yachts that have found ideal this cove. (2/2005)
Page 2743.48 Ensenada Los Mogotes
Instead of…a group of islets and rocks marked by a green GRP light structure…..
Read... a group of islets and rocks marked by a red and white GRP tower (green flashing light)…..
Page 2783.52 Paso de Vidts
Instead ofA red buoy marks the S extremity of the pass and the beginning of a foul area. Then comes Islote Astudillo, marked by a light structure, a GRP tower with red and white bands. This has a flashing white light with a 9s period (3 flashes every 9s), a nominal range of 6 miles and a visibility sector including between 015° and 314°. To the S there is Islote Dirección, the largest of the group, and a series of rocks and a flat islet.
From GPS 1 steer towards GPS 2 (S 46°31’93 - W 73°50’40), located 2 cables E of the pass. Then the fairway lies in mid-channel, between Islote Entrada and the red buoy, and leads to GPS 3 (S 46°31’93 - W 73°50’80) on the W side, now in Bahía San Rafael.
ReadA green buoy marks the S extremity of the pass and the beginning of a foul area. Then comes Islote Astudillo, marked by a light structure, a GRP tower with red and white bands. This has a flashing white light with a 3s period, a nominal range of 6 miles and a visibility sector including between 015° and 314°. To the S there is Islote Dirección, the largest of the group, and a series of rocks and a flat islet.
From GPS 1 steer towards GPS 2 (S 46°31’93 - W 73°50’40), located 2 cables E of the pass.
Then the fairway lies in mid-channel, between Islote Entrada and the green buoy, and leads to GPS 3 (S 46°31’93 - W 73°50’80) on the W side, now in Bahía San Rafael.
Page 278Bahía San Rafael
Instead ofThen the fairway leads into a channel formed by two green buoys (one disappeared) and two red ones, the last of which probably drifted to SE recently, and to GPS 4 (S 46°31’29 - W 73°52’82). From this point steer a direct course to the entrance of Río Témpanos, at GPS 5 (S 46°31’98 - W 73°54’57). If using radar, for the first part after the last red buoy, remain around 4 cables from the NW shore on your way to Río Témpanos.
ReadThen the fairway leads into a channel formed by two green buoys and two red ones, the first of which bears a flashing red light. Once reached GPS 4 (S 46°31’29 - W 73°52’82), steer a direct course to the entrance of Río Témpanos, at GPS 5 (S 46°31’98 - W 73°54’57). If using radar, for the first part after the last green buoy, remain around 4 cables from the NW shore on your way to Río Témpanos.
Page 353Río de los Patos
A yacht captain told us that in 2005 there were no launches or buoys in the river, so he tied to a dubious looking mooring located at the SW end of the straight stretch.
Section 4Canal Darwin to Golfo de Penas
Page 3004.20 Caleta Cliff
Approach delicate in strong NW winds:
coming from the N:steer a course towards GPS 2 S 46°25’75 - W 75°20’70 (just in front of the entrance)
coming from the S: steer a course towards GPS 1 S 46°25’50 - W 75°21’60 and then to GPS 2.
A small shrine is located NW of the anchorage. (2/2005)
Page 306Bahía Tarn - Isla and Faro San Pedro
Approacha good GPS point for the yachts crossing the Golfo de Penas southbound is S 47°38’90 W 74°48’60 (located 3 miles NE of Faro San Pedro, just N of Bahía Tarn).
Section 5Canal Messier to Ventisquero Pío XI
Page 3135.3 Caleta Tortel
Instead ofTortel is linked to the town of Cochrane (pop.2,000) by a launch service subsided by the government;
ReadTortel is now linked to the town of Cochrane by a road and a regular bus service. (2/2005)
Page 3165.8Caleta Ideal
Approacheasy: GPS S 47°46´10 - W 74°53’50
Page 3285.20Puerto Edén
RemarksInstead ofClear the red buoy, which marks a shoal and anchor in the NE corner….
ReadClear the W/R/W beacon, which marks a dry rock and anchor in the NE corner….
Page 3305.20Puerto Edén
Instead ofNonetheless, boats transiting in the summers of 2000 and 2002 reported large quantities of water and dirt in the drums, which are apparently often left open.
ReadBoatstransiting in the summer of 2006 confirmed us that fuel was of good quality.
A satellite phone has recently been installed in a small new building near the Emaza shop. There is also free Internet at the school.
Instead ofThe Navimag ferry Pto. Edén calls on Wednesdays when S-bound to Pto. Natales, and on Saturdays when N-bound to Pto. Montt.
ReadThe Navimag ferry “Puerto Edén”, connecting Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales, stops in Puerto Edén for a little while twice a week (
Page 3315.22 Cta. Grau
In the detailed chart Instead ofPenínsula IllitReadPenínsula Elliot
Section 6Canal Wide to Canal Smyth
Page 3446.6 Estéro Dock
Instead ofThe minimum depth in the fairway is around 3 metres.
ReadThe minimum depth in the fairway is around 2.5 metres.
To eraseSome skippers reported depths in Estéro Dock to be higher than mentioned, with values ranging between 8 and 11 metres; further comments are welcome.
Page 3556.16 Caleta Colibrí
Instead ofPositionS 50°13’25 - W 74°38.00 (Wanderer III anchorage) (chart position)
Approacheasy, but not simple to find
ReadGPS positionS 50°12’97 - W 74°38’63 (WandererIII anchorage)
Approacheasy, but not simple to find: GPS S 50°13’38 - W 74°38’45