Sailing on Captain Haase

As you approach the lake shore, one figure stands out on the horizon: the Capitan Haase, a 65-foot motor sailboat that is a local legend. A replica of the boats used by German settlers in the 19th century, it was designed and built in 1999 using native wood, and has since become an icon of nautical tourism in the city.

Its colorful silhouette stands out against the mountains on the other side of the lake, and the best part is that it can not only be seen from land: it also invites travelers to sail its waters and learn about the history of colonization from a new perspective.

We embarked on a sunny afternoon, near sunset, with the hope of enjoying the outdoor deck and sunbathing. But as soon as we set sail, we noticed the cool breeze from the lake, so we had to wrap up warm to continue the journey comfortably.

The tour began along the Puerto Varas waterfront, lined with well-known restaurants, tea houses, and visitors enjoying the last rays of sunshine. Further on, heading towards Ensenada, the view was filled with the classic wooden architecture and larch shingles that characterize the southern coast of the country.

As we observed the lush native flora, we listened to the stories the guides shared about the first German settlers, who arrived in 1850, and tried to imagine what this landscape was when it was still virgin forest.

With our binoculars in hand and trying not to miss a single detail, we heard a peculiar sound and saw the sails unfurling until they were taut, and then the feeling of having traveled back in time was overwhelming.

The boat then turned towards Llanquihue, another of the towns that share the history and founding spirit of the region. From the deck, we could see the mouths of rivers and streams, where fly fishermen cast their lines with elegance in search of the perfect trout.

We went down to the interior salons to get closer to the bar and have a drink. From there, with a glass of Chilean wine and some homemade empanadas, we watched the light change over the lake. “Did you see how the colors change?” commented one of the crew members. “The warm tones of sunset disappear, the clouds descend, and night slowly arrives.” Together with the snow-capped Osorno volcano and the imposing Calbuco volcano in the background, an unforgettable natural spectacle was formed, worthy of a perfect Patagonian postcard.

On our return, the city of Puerto Varas welcomed us with its lights on, reflected in the water a constellation.

We enjoyed a leisurely cruise from a different perspective, steeped in history. We said goodbye to Captain Haase, whose elegant silhouette remained anchored at the dock until his next voyage, swaying gently under the night lights. A magical experience that combines nature, tradition, and the infinite calm of Lake Llanquihue.