Around the Americas Expedition Update
Rounding Cape Horn
Few places on Earth carry the myth, power, and reputation of Cape Horn. For centuries sailors have measured themselves against the winds, currents, and towering seas at the southern tip of the Americas.
This week, aboard One Ocean, our team joined that long tradition.
On March 8, the Around the Americas Expedition successfully rounded Cape Horn—sailing from east to west through the legendary waters where the Pacific and Atlantic collide. It was a moment filled with adrenaline, reflection, and gratitude. After months at sea and thousands of miles along the coasts of the Americas, we stood together on deck watching the Horn slip astern, knowing we had safely completed one of the most iconic passages in the sailing world.
Of course, as with any true expedition, the days surrounding it were full of challenges, discoveries, and unforgettable moments.
Here’s a look at the week aboard One Ocean.
Friday, March 6 – Education in Puerto Williams
We presented to 70 students at the Cedena Sailing Club in Puerto Williams. The club is an impressive program that is integrated into the local school curriculum.
We set up our education tent and shared our ocean science program. Many of the students spoke English and were incredibly engaged and curious. At the same time, the sailing club was being filmed for a documentary, as several students have been selected to sail on an expedition to South Africa.
We also conducted a Bull and Giant kelp site study—the southernmost kelp beds of our entire expedition.
Saturday – A Tough Loss
While anchored along the rugged coast just 15 miles from Cape Horn, we were hit overnight by powerful williwaws—sudden, violent squalls that sweep down from mountainous terrain.
During the night, the dinghy painter snapped.
We heard it happen, but the darkness and conditions made it too dangerous to leave our anchorage to search. We spent hours looking the following morning, but the steep terrain and heavy swell made recovery impossible.
That dinghy had been with us for 10 months and was essential for reaching shorelines and conducting research. Losing it felt a bit like the moment in the film Cast Away when Wilson drifts away. Heartbreaking.
Sunday – Rounding the Horn
Then came the big day.
We sailed from our anchorage all the way around Cape Horn, completing one of the most iconic passages in sailing. Conditions allowed us to hoist our beautiful North and South American spinnaker, making the moment even more special.
And a special congratulations to our fearless captain - Mark Schrader. This was his 4th time rounding Cape Horn - and will probably be mad that I added this in, but come on...4th time! It has been an absolute honor to share this memory with this pretty amazing person who inspires so many to want to make this world a better place. Thank you, Mark for all that you do and continue to do! His one goal on this expedition was to inspire a couple of ocean stewards...well, I believe you have successfully achieved that goal.
We also deployed MicroSwift Buoy #171 in the Drake Passage. This buoy will transmit ocean data for up to five weeks, contributing to our ongoing open-source ocean research. Thank you Sailors for the Sea for making this buoy drop program happen! You and your students can follow this data here. Or on Backyard Buoys.
And yes… somewhere in the middle of it all, we even filmed a music video to celebrate.
Monday – Ocean Education
We hosted a live online class titled “Plastics in the Ocean” with Hannah Horsfield, The Education Program Coordinator from the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. We first met Hannah while visiting Bermuda, and it was wonderful to reconnect.
The session was fascinating, informative, and deeply engaging for the students participating. Click here to watch the lesson.
Tuesday–Wednesday – Whale Research
We encountered dozens of humpback whales, capturing several excellent fluke identification photos to support ongoing whale identification work for BC Whales.
Upcoming Events
March 13
Follow-up interview with a news station in Puerto Rico.
March 21
We are honoured to have been asked to present for the Explorers Club Virtual Education Event in Monaco with Exploring By the Seat of Your Pants.
March 24
Live Classroom - Sea sharks, skates and chimeras in the Galapagos archipelago.
Please join the Around the Americas Expedition alongside Dr. Ana Belén Yánez Suárez a marine biologist, National Geographic Explorer, Conservation Leadership Programme Alumna, and PhD candidate at Memorial University of Newfoundland as she dives into sea sharks, skates and chimeras in the Galapagos archipelago.
March 28
I know many of you have been asking what’s next for the expedition, well here's an opportunity to find out more and join us for a very special event on March 28!
Around the Americas Expedition: Live from Sea
You’re invited to join us for an exclusive social and fundraising event held at the Anacortes Yacht Club with the crew of One Ocean joining in via live feed as they continue their northbound journey along South America.
Hear firsthand stories from the expedition, learn about the science behind the mission, and ask your questions live to the crew.
Date/Time: Saturday, March 28, at 2 pm
Location: Anacortes Yacht Club, 611 T Ave., Anacortes
Suggested Donation: $50 (venue, wine, snacks provided)
RSVP Due Date: Monday, March 23; Space is Limited,
Register Now to Reserve Your Spot!
Register via Eventbrite HERE
The crew continues to produce a tremendous amount of information on a daily basis. For more stories and insights you can find us on our SPOTIFY and listen to our Around the Americas podcasts.
Another way to receive behind the scenes updates and fun tidbits about the expedition is to join our Patreon site - Around the Americas, for $5 a month.
Thank you as always for all the support! It’s been a tremendous honor.