Clearance
Yachts entering the Beagle Channel area should contact the Chilean
Navy on
VHF Channel 16. Puerto Williams is a naval base, but yachts are welcomed there. Cruising
boats are usually told to proceed directly into the small western basin, close to the
airport, where there is a concrete
dock. Shallow-drafted
boats may come on its inside, or tie up alongside the Micalvi, a former supply ship, now used as a yacht club by the locals. Officials will visit the
boat here, after which the
captain must go to the port captain's office to complete formalities. It is essential that those for whom this is the first port of entry into
Chile insist on being given the compulsory
customs certificate. Those who leave without it will have serious problems when clearing out of
Chile.
From September 2004, all the foreign yachts entering Pto. Williams had to pay a new tax. From Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00 o'clock, and Saturday from 06:00 to 13:00 the Authorities charged US$ 40 every time a yacht entered or left this port coming from or going to a foreign country. In overtime, they charged US$60. At the end of October this tax was reduced. The
fees which now apply are as follows:
Yacht up to 25 tons: each time a yacht enters or leaves the country it must pay: US$2.60 (Monday to Friday 0700 - 1900 and Saturday 0700 - 1300). Outside of these hours, the charge will be 50% more ie US$3.90 (weekdays 1900 - 0700 AM and from Saturday 1300 to Monday 0700).
Yacht from 25 to 1000 tons: each time a yacht enters or leaves a port or a marina it must pay US$40. In overtime 50% more (60 US$).
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 Chilean waters without leaving the country. Lighthouse and beacon
fees are : US $ 2.88 per year or US$ 0.88 per TRG for all the trip.
Capitania de Puerto
Tel:+56 61 621090, Fax:+56 61 621090,
VHF Channel 16
cpwilliams@directemar.cl
Docking
Puerto Willams, Chile's most southern city, is the usual jumping off point for Antartica. It is situated on Navarino Island in the Beagle Channel.
The most pleasant, and safest, berths are at the Club Naval de Yates Micalvi. It is based in a small inlet at the western end of the harbour. There is an anchorage in Seno Lauta, with good holding, but exposed to both easterly and westerly winds. It is free, but requires permission from the Port
Captain.
Yacht Clubs
Club Naval de Yates Micalvi
Perto Williams, Chile
There is 3.5 metres on the outside of the'Micalvi', and 2 or less alongside the portside.
Water, electricity and hot showers are available. The bridge and forward sections of the ship have been turned into a very popular bar, for both passing crews and locals alike. There is a warm welcome here for everyone.