Southern Chile

The Republic of Chile is a gigantic sliver of a country crammed between the Andes and Pacific. Over 6,000km – a sixth of the Earth’s circumference – of firing coastline remains relatively untapped by the masses, though adventurous riders know the south as a world-class port tack alternative during the Northern Hemisphere winter. Despite nearly two decades under Pinochet’s dictatorship Chile has emerged a friendly, vibrant and educated country, so do spend a while exploring the capital of Santiago – but if it’s wavesailing you’re after, head south. The country divides into 15 Regions, numbered I to XV.