Few, if any, routes in the history of navigation have been as feared and attractive—or have claimed so many lives, riches, and ships—as the passage around Cape Horn. Located on the southernmost point of South America, the cape was previously part of the clipper routes that transported much of the world's trade, marking a gateway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Cape Horn marks the point at which the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet – which is what makes the passage so treacherous. Extreme low-pressure systems whirl across the sea, creating the dreaded williwaw winds. These gusts are sudden, unpredictable and frequent – and with bigger winds, come bigger waves. With such challenging conditions, Cape Horn is now the stage for the world’s most challenging yacht races, including the Vendee Globe and the Volvo Ocean Race


Today, Cape Horn and the surrounding Magallanes region are home to a wild ocean ecosystem that includes abundant marine mammals and seabirds and the world’s southernmost kelp forest.

By the way, anyone who goes round the horn is allowed to wear a hopped earring in the ear that was closest to the horn when they sailed… expect to see me and M with our new jewellery on!