Photo - Our track to YCA - San Fernando. February 2009

After eight days at the historic, 125 year old Yacht Club Argentino, in downtown Buenos Aires, we moved to another location. We are now moored in the beautiful Yacht Club Argentino, San Fernando. Located on the Rio Lujan, about 30 kilometers from the city central area of Buenos Aires.

This is one of the most beautiful settings I have ever had the pleasure to stay in. The club is huge, with many things to offer. The grounds are in a narrow, but long configuration, with yachts moored on either side of the inlet. Our pier is floating, with good power, good water, and I even have a good Wi-Fi signal. The guard house is right behind me, and I feel very secure. This will be a good home for LONE STAR.

The six hour trip of 33 miles from Buenos Aires was very interesting. We followed the main ship channel for several miles before turning into the narrow, rip-rap and mud bordered, Canal Emilio Mitre, working our way north, then heading west into the Rio Parana de las Plamas, and ultimately south down the Canals Honda, and Canal de Vinculacion, to reach San Fernando. There is a more direct route across the Rio de la Plata, which is only a third of the distance, however, this can only be traversed at a very high tide, and we would have had to wait for several more days.

Once at the YCA-SF, we were met with open arms. Our slip was waiting for us and it was all Mr. Thompson this and Mr. Thompson that. Very friendly people and very attending to our various needs. Jorge, a local Captain from Buenos Aires joined us again, and I was very pleased to have him. I doubt if I could have made it without several stops in the mud, due to the numerous, "only known to locals," shallow areas. I plan to have him onboard for our return. With our draft of 2.3 meters, there are just too many areas to get into trouble.

Today was spent checking in with the Prefectura Naval in San Fernando. I am starting to really get this whole check-in and check-out process down. Today I had to remind the officer to stamp and sign our permit, and to give me back my original copy. He gave me a look that could only mean. "What else have I forgotten?" We laughed, and he told me that he does not process many foreign yachts. I have located the local place to eat which features thinly sliced steak sandwiches, cold Coca-Cola, and homemade empanadas. Now I know that I can survive here, food wise at least.

Fernando, the Operations Manager, was very helpful showing me around the club, introducing me to service companies located within the yard, and drawing me a map of the area with locations of the supermarket, laundry, phone/internet center, bank, bicycle shop, and train station. Nice man, I know I am really going to enjoy my stay here, and get a lot of much needed work completed.