Photo - Thunderstorm off the port beam as we cruise our way up the Rio Plata to Buenos Aires, Argentina. February 2009


We have transferred from the deep, cold, clear blue water of the southern regions of South America, to the shallow, warm, muddy brown, waters of the Rio Plata. We have traded our layers of undergarments, gloves, boots, and foul weather gear, for shorts, t-shirts and sunscreen. The awning is up, the air conditioners are on, and we are 30 miles from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Yesterday the wind filled from the north and we were forced to zig-zag our way up the coast under trysail, staysail and engine. The wind was 25 knots and at times the current was pushing against us at over two knots. The all too familiar scenario for LONE STAR and her determined crew. Our new crewmember, Jorge, who has sailed these waters all his life, was very instrumental in guiding us into the smother waters that offer more favorable currents. At times we were only three miles off the coast, working the sails, and navigating the shallow waters that are littered with wrecks.

At sundown, we started to see the winds ease and by dark-thirty, we were in fewer than ten knots of wind, and making good time toward Buenos Aires. We are in the Rio Plata, the widest and shallowest river in the world, or so we have been told by a local sailor.

Our destination is the Yacht Club Argentino, where we will hopefully have a place to stay for a few days, while I scout out a berth for longer term. With any luck, we can find a place at Puerto Madero Marina, right in the city central.

Matt departs this Friday to return to Houston. I will stay for however long is necessary to settle the boat, work up some project estimates, and make some minor repairs.

It has been quite the mix of conditions these past three and a half months since we departed Vina Del Mar, Chile. I doubt if anyone will forget this adventure, that we were all so fortunate to experience. My sincere thanks to Bo Huggins, who not only planted the seed for this extension of LONE STAR's legacy, but provided the magnitude of resources to make it happen.

Que Te Hache Velero LONE STAR de Buenos Aires - Nueve de Febrero al las catorce horas. CAMBIO!