The Strait of Magellan: Our Ship Transit | Chief MAKOi

In my more than 20 years of seafaring, this is the first time I passed through the Strait of Magellan. Following the path taken by the intrepid navigator, Ferdinand Magellan, I can't help but feel awed by the courage that he and his crew exhibited in finding the passage west which led to the first circumnavigation of the world.
Trivia: Magellan was Portuguese, but Portugal declined his proposal for an expedition. Spain funded the expedition which solidified its prestige and maritime power. Magellan was killed in the present-day Philippines by indigenous people led by Lapu-Lapu. After his death, Juan Sebastian Elcano took the lead, and completed their objective of going to Molucas (Spice Island), filling their cargo holds with cloves, and returning to Spain using the traditional westward route through the Indian Ocean, thus performing the first circumnavigation of the world.
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In case you're wondering about the "poetic" tone of this episode, I used AI to generate the seemingly poetic parts to fill in the narrative. Most of the script is still mine. Enjoy!
Chief MAKOi
Seaman Vlog

[@PhilRable]

Not many of us will get the chance to actually sail through this famous waterway. It was good sailing with you Chief.

[@timskiff9422]

Your use of language and the use of mariner lingo adds to your amazing story telling craft. You should be narrating for Discovery and National Geographic. Cheers to you and your crew for showing and reliving these voyages.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

I try my best. 😊

[@13699111]

I agree with your comment

[@tuber4tuber]

My thoughts as well. 👍

[@reymondsidaya4409]

Agree.. you're incredible chief.. salute.. I've been lucky coz I pass this strait plenty times when I was sailing in containers,, Brazil and Chilean ports

[@miapdx503]

Yes, his voice lends character to his narration. Making the video even more enjoyable. 🌹

[@jackiejanetm]

Chief Engineer becomes documentary film maker! Fabulous video! Safe travels to you and the rest of the crew!

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thank you very much!

[@stevetuttle5472]

Absolutely amazing that Magellan and his crew with the limited technology they had, were able to make the voyage! Mad respect for the early explorers!

[@ChiefMAKOi]

And they actually didn't know for sure if it existed.

[@tommooe4524]

Read the book Joshua Slocum about his circumnavigation in 1895 and trip through the Strait

[@olofjansson9356]

Around the turn of the 19th to 20th century, my grandmother's family emigrated from Norway to Chile to start a lumbering business. Fortunately, the ship with the family transited the Strait. Unfortunately, the ship with all their stuff attempted the Horn and was lost. Thanks for a glimpse of what they witnessed!!!

[@highline64]

Thank you chief. Not that this was on your bucket list but no doubt this was a journey for the ages. Stay safe. Stay strong!

[@rca7591a]

Most definitely a bucket list experience whether it was n there or not. More like a bucket list placeholder experience. That was something to watch! 😎😎

[@tsbrownie]

That's a convoluted route that takes serious and focused navigation! Very cool. Thanks for showing it.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

The pilots guided us all the way.

[@johnwedzicha]

I was wondering if they gave you two pilots. I see now that they probably took shifts thru your passage. Cheers from Port Angeles where our pilots pick up traffic entering and leaving Puget Sound thru the Strait of Juan De Fuca.@@ChiefMAKOi

[@tripletoro]

Amoust 20 years since I left the region and now I can see footage of the place where I grew up. I still remember the two times i had to cross the Estrecho de Magallanes and the weather make me realize I am not made to be a sailor. Thank you chief for make me remember good memories of the region.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

My pleasure!

[@miapdx503]

It takes a special breed of man to be a sailor. Either you're born to it, or you're not. And it takes wisdom to know which you are. 🌹⚓

[@yofre]

As an argentinian ex maritime agent I just can say thank you. I've heard the stories, I've spent time with crew members that talked about the passage, and I've seen celphone videos with low quality. This is something I really wanted to see in some way or another.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks!

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Your channel is the gold standard when it comes to both educating and entertaining. The editing, the narration style and rythm are all on point. Thank you sir.

[@chrisriley7517]

Thanks Chief for the videos, as a former US Coast Guard cutter engine room engineer I always enjoy your videos. The rough seas reminds of my time in the Bering and North Pacific.

[@user-tl6rd9hr6n]

Cutter = ship,

[@NatickJill]

I'm amazed that Magellan made it through with the twisty-ness of the passage, the unpredictable winds coming off the mountains, the unpredictable currents, and no idea what lay ahead!

[@dalemoss4684]

Youve teally gotta admire the bravery of Magellan and all the early explorers, doing that route in a tiny, round-bellied wooden ship, bobbing around like a cork with no idea where he was or what to expect. The man must've had balls of steel.

[@jerryodell1168]

During either 1962 or 1963 (can't remember which) when I was a sailor on the USS Canberra CAG-2, we got caught in a huge storm in the North Atlantic. The storm did massive damage to the ship. We were forced to limp into Rota, Spain for repairs before continuing into the Med for our tour of duty. There were times when trying to sleep, the ships lurch and roll threw us out of our bunks. In those days we had fold up bunks with chains on the outside. We learned to use one hand to grab the chains to hang on. My Wife said I would grab for the chains during the night many on many occasions in later life.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lanceferraro3781]

It seems several lifetimes ago, January 1984, summer down there, during my 22 year US Navy career, I passed through the Strait. Weather was about like yours was. I was on a gas turbine powered destroyer, our sonar loudly banging away every inch of the way, giving us a feeling of safety since, it seemed, everytime I went topside I'd see a ship wreck; a stern jutting towards the sky, missing props and rudder, masts pointing straight out of the water, a hull on its' side. I still miss being at sea. And, most people don't like rocking and rolling, but I do because I don't get sea sick. The down side to that is my compatriots and I had to continuing doing those things that must be done. Three days of near no sleep. I learned of your channel from What's Up WIth Shipping.

[@FloridaJack]

Congratulations to you and your crew, Chief. Rights of Passage are important, especially to men far from home and family. Thank You, for sharing the event with us.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Much appreciated!

[@rca7591a]

Mighty ship making it's way through rough seas, "Safety First," no visible flexing of the sturdy ship. Those crane masts holding alignment. Hats of to the marine designers and shipbuilders. 😎😎

[@courtneycurtis4991]

If it weren't for the men and women who are seafarers we wouldn't have acess to many items that come through our nations ports... thank you chief makoi to you and your crew for your hard work and dedication it's greatly appreciated!!!!

[@stephenhope7319]

Thanks Chief, always look forward to your videos. I am an avid cruiser but I know your work is quite different. I love to see the great waterways of the world.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

I appreciate that!

[@rickmogk6807]

As a fellow that lives in Manitoba, Canada, it is very interesting to see places in the world and to visually experience the ocean. Your channel I find and enjoy very much. Thank you

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks!

[@Inkling777]

Joshua Slocum's account of his travel through the straits in a small sailboat is one of the best parts of his great tale. As the title of his books says, he was the first person _Sailing Alone Around the World._

[@PoulLausen]

I think especially the section about how he passed Tierra del Fuego in The Strait of Magellan is very exciting and how he prevented natives from boarding his boat. It is one of the best books I have read on sailing and would recommend everyone to try and find a copy. (I believe there are some sections online, or maybe you can buy an electronic copy)

[@stevetorres76]

There is also an audiobook version of the book on KZbin called sailing alone around the world. One of few Librevox recordings that is well narrated.

[@Scrat335]

I didn't realize the Straits Of Magellan was an inland waterway. Thanks for showing us this. It's a lovely area of the world, go check it out on goole earth. Rugged mountains, plains and waterways. Beautiful.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

It really is!

[@jdw6293]

Just finished "The Wager" by David Grann about a tall ship wreck along the same route....worth reading. This travelog was excellent, Chief, and really put the awe in the adventure. Thank you!

[@danpress7745]

You might checkout "Two Years Before The Mast" by Richard ,Dana. and the video "Around the Horn," 1929".

[@rmorris3722]

Congratulations, you are amongst the few who have traversed the Strait of Magellan!!

[@rancelynch6514]

Thanks Chief, now I feel like I too have passed thru the Strait’s of Magellan! A very interesting and informative video geography lesson thanks again for your excellent narration.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexandermonro6768]

Beautiful video. Thanks, Chief!

[@mikeschiesel2852]

Wow, Chief! This was a truly special video, very fitting for an epic journey! Thank You.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephenhope7319]

Awesome Chief. This time next year we have booked a cruise from Santiago to Buenos Aires and they only sail this time of year, Dec to Feb then the weather is too bad to sail. I cannot imagine how those sailors dealt with sailing 500 years ago with no maps or charts and limited navigational equipment. Good for us that they did, including Gerardus Mercator in 1569. who mapped the world in correct size. What a risk they took. What value they brought us all. Thanks Chief. I received a note from Princess for crossing the Arctic circle last August, oh boy. I went to North Cape... on a cruise ship.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

That's cool!

[@billbeyatte]

Thanks for the tour of the Strait. Years ago I traveled the Drake Passage to/from Antarctica. No fun.

[@josealdendimailig119]

Transitting Magellan Strait is quite challenging due to high seas that you are going to encounter on the western side. Pilot will recommend to navigate thru inland passage to avoid heavy rolling... At least all the crew will receive a Certificate of Passage to Magellan Strait and It was a great experience....Safe Voyage!!!

[@ctibpo991]

Rough seas hauling rice in an older bulk carrier... glad you made it safely, and didn't have to deal with the cape.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Yup. Definitely.

[@ETennScott]

Great video Chief!! The the tale told in your narration was very impressive, and very moving. Your production values are top-notch!! I'll go watch it again now....😊

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks!

[@bentilbury2002]

Beautiful scenes and a beautiful presentation. Well done Chief!

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thank you very much!

[@janxwazul1180]

I passed once last December 1979 in Magellan straits from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Antofagasta ,Chile . We didn't receive any recognition proof that we passed Magellan straits anyway Im retired as seaman now. But I won't forget that experienced I passed Magellan that was unforgettable experience .thanks to your vlog Chief Makoi and Merry Christmas to you .🙏👏👌👍

[@boyojunior]

Transited Strait of Magellan November 1979 on British Bulker "Dunster Grange" en route from Bahia Blanca, Argentina, to Kagoshima, Japan. I was Radio Officer. Beautiful scenery, glaciers, mountains. Ships Master took us through as pilotage was not compulsory then. This brings the memories back. Bon Voyage!

[@dariolin5396]

Lucky me could share with Chief Makoi's fantastic moment of transit through Strait of Magellan and see all the splendid views along side. Many thanks Chief!

[@ChiefMAKOi]

My pleasure!

[@trep53]

What a fantastic deviation in the otherwise routine life on board a cargo ship. I suppose the currents, fog and shifting winds can make that passage challenging.

[@dinohermiesalud2517]

Congrats po chief! Sana all! Salamat po at nk gala ako, Ingatan kau lagi ng Dios Ama

[@Maadhawk]

Those rolling seas remind me of when I transited the Bearing Strait as part of the crew of the USS Salt Lake City (SSN-716) back in 2005. We were transiting submerged at 400 ft below the surface and I can't even begin to imagine how rough it was up there. We were rolling pretty wildly at a level that is usually unaffected by surface weather. Aside from the rolling of the boat though, it was an otherwise smooth transit.

[@koomaj]

What a fantastic episode. Not many mariners ever have a chance to make passage through Magellan strait.

[@HobbiesHobo]

Season's Greetings To you, your family, friends and all your coworkers Chief!

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Happy Holidays!

[@robertwilliams2623]

Chief you are blessed the things you have seen at work. Most people don't see things like at

[@mbainrot]

What blows my mind is the stark contrast of sea level and snow, it just breaks my brain as someone who lives in a temperate climate where I have to drive for hours to get to the nearest snow. Keep up the great work Chief and happy safe sailing.

[@nmccw3245]

Congrats on your first SoM transit Chief! 👍🏻

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks!

[@jonhickernell9759]

Many years ago I got to transit the straits while I was in the Navy, beautiful

[@kevinsawyer6968]

I've been watching you for a few years now. Thank you & be safe out there. My prayers are with you & crew & ship.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Much appreciated!

[@freddypflugbeil6]

What a great time you must of had. Reminds of the book about Magellan s discovery Thanks for the show Chief. From New York

[@simonpaul1772]

Happy for the journey Chief. Feels like I was there.

[@Old-bold-pilot]

Congratulations, thanks for taking us along. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks 👍

[@termin8d]

In another life I’d be a mariner. The sea has always attracted me. Thank you for this great video - you have a real talent with words and video editing.

[@Vagabondo-fs6qu]

The only time I go that far south was in 1978 when we rounded Cape Horn and it was as calm as a millpond, and I do chuckle a little when I hear tales of the Drakes Passage. Alas I never got to transit the Straits during my sea going career; so I enjoy watching videos.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Crossing Drake's to Antarctica is something I might not be able to do. Unless I pay for it. 😊

[@KenricKite]

You can add 'poet" to your long list of achievements, Chief! That was just beautiful.

[@richardaustinaustin1890]

Hi chief. There’s a video on KZbin about the last sail cargo ship rounding Cape Horn. Looks bloody hard work. Cool video as usual 👍

[@craig9802]

Damn, man - you've been down a poetry rabbit-hole or two. This was beautifully written, and beautifully shot. Congratulations on a new adventure!

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks! 😊

[@mancroft]

Chief: You have an excellent writing style.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks!

[@mariemccann5895]

Awesome video. One of your best ever! So informative and watchable! Thanks for posting

[@timsampson5229]

Wow - I must look at the Straits on a map...

[@cmarchi128]

Very cool Chief

[@positivejunctions9362]

Chief, thank you for your writing and narrative. I'm grateful for your unwavering research, and homework to keep all us informed, educated, and entertained. One love.

[@Duckfarmer27]

Such a superb video and narration. You are so skilled at telling a good story. As a land bound engineer my hat is off to you - totally enjoy the art work you bring us.

[@nukejets]

you have outdone yourself with this video! Kudos to you!

[@davidgreen40]

Your best video yet! I have a bucket list item of going through the Straits and around Cape Horn.

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

Awesome! Thank you, Chief.

[@cndream1]

An outstanding narrative on this video there Chief. It was equally as impressive to watch and experience your trip through the straits. Great job !!!

[@spyderbaker135]

Great job Chief! Your name is on a list shared by a few. Accomplishment to your ship and crew. Power to Philippine crew 🇵🇭 !

[@mugsypea]

Love your V-logs Chief! The lure of the sea has been a dream of mine for most of my life. Thanks to you and KZbin I can live those dreams even though it’s from the comfort of my home and not at sea! Good luck Chief and keep up the great work!

[@stefanprior6553]

Beautiful place and beautiful work. Thank you Chief

[@boatsfra1]

Maraming Salamat po. Godspeed Chief Makoi. May your journeys be safe and your holidays be spent with those you love...

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Happy holidays!

[@maboleth]

Damn man, I almost teared up at the end. Your narration and way of presenting things is unparalleled. Keep up the good work! Great voyage I'd love to take some day. 👌

[@soloonsound]

Congratulations on 400K subscribers! Well deserved.

[@MrSpinteractive]

Great video Chief - thanks for taking us along!

[@MU-2]

Magnificently narrated.

[@peterjohnston8116]

I was most fortunate to have transited the Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel and Cape Horn, and I have a certificate to confirm the experience. Well done Chief!

[@tomsemo8186]

Excellent narrative. thankyou.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LHoover]

Thankyou chief and congrats on the passage I'm jello.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks!

[@billwilliams9527]

Well done Chief. With all due respect sir, the heavy weather was merely a taste of my four years on a USN destroyer, but I loved it.

[@landonfinnerty2391]

Nice to see you back Chief! Thanks

[@andrewjameson5918]

What a great experience to have been able to undertake.

[@cedarbrake1309]

A journey through history, a trip through geography, and a memory forever. Well done. 🇨🇱

[@papaalphaoscar5537]

I imagine it to be breathtaking! Transiting through Tierra del Fuego is on my bucket list but probably it is something I will not be able to tick off.

[@phildelahaye9423]

Well done Chief and congratulations to the Captain and crew. Did the ship need to slow down for the transit ? Looks damn cold for what I assume was late Spring early summer. That will be a voyage to remember. Excellent video. I especially liked the shots of the Charts to show us where you were. .

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Just a little bit and only when passing through narrows.

[@cmoreson4281]

Thank you. I learn something new today. Great video👍

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks!

[@samuelcollins1331]

Thanks Chief Makoi! I have loved each and every one of your videos. But in this particular video you have transcended to a wholly different level. This video, including your choice of words and music, is truly an artistic masterpiece of videography worthy of exalted appreciation far beyond the reach of your otherwise excellent videos. This video transports the viewer into the realm of true adventure. Spectacular effort Chief Makoi. Muchas Gracias Senor!

[@davidvollmer959]

Thank you so much for taking me on that voyage with you through the eyes of your camera. It is good to see that you and your shipmates traveled where most of us can only dream.

[@parkerholden7140]

Excellent videos from an excellent engineer. Philippine seaman are the best! The best whale watching in the world,

[@sandywakeling8192]

Another great video. It looks like that was a wild ride! Amazing scenery! Safe passage and look forward to hearing more of your adventures!

[@TonyWhite22351]

The early sailors had to contend with all of these difficulties whilst under sail and without the benefit of a map , an incredible accomplishment !

[@gmpltd114]

Great video Chief, actually had a tear in my eye at a few points. Blue skies and gentle seas my friend.

[@travelingdude33914]

Absolutely stunning! Thanks Chief

[@intellectualiconoclasm3264]

Congratulatuons on the passage, Chief.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Thanks!

[@tentingaroundflorida]

20 years and never did that route wow.

[@BTimmer]

We've sailed it 3 times on cruise ships (2018, 2023, & 2024). It's a very memorable portion of our cruises around South America.

[@irishpsalteri]

I have read about this many times and the chance to see it is great. Thanks.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

You are welcome!

[@bobtucker9188]

Thanks Chief for this great video, most of us will never have the chance to see the Straits thanks for the pleasure

[@ChiefMAKOi]

My pleasure!

[@mrHBarry]

Congratulations on your safe and successful passage through the Strait of Magellan and thank you for allowing me to take the journey also. Stay safe. 🙂

[@tiagosantos7968]

Thank you for allowing us to join you on this unique passage. Allowing us to see what my countryman Fernão de Magalhães saw for the first time himself.

[@franciscosandiego3026]

Always great video brother from the imperial county California 👍 and have a merry Christmas 🎄 you and your family 🎉

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Merry Christmas!

[@LucasJCriens]

Nice to see it again from the wheelhouse , we did this trip in our 48 ft Cat SV Lambada in Feb 2011, first through Straight Le Maire than Beagle Canal , side trip to Cape horn than up Paso Del Mar north through various canals to straight Magellan north Canal Cutler up to Pto Monte. A trip never to forget we where often frozen bad weather and had to shelter in Calettas against the rocks for days as all is deep water. Like you video.

[@candidobizzotto2038]

Welcome to South America. My grandmother lived in Rio Grande. Thanks for the video.

[@leomajor7217]

I love your stories And travels. As a man who has been at sea for 39 years,they are great.

[@gardnep]

Great commentary, chief. Now you can do it in a 3 masted sailing boat, no gps, radio beacon, pilots just the seat of your pants and all those guys in the rigging, changing sails. Great video, thanks, Chief.

[@ajustez3013]

Congrats Chief, I passed from St.Paul to New Orleans on a Towboat once. I thought was a life time achivement,,, Fair Winds and Following Seas. Sailor 07

[@garymemetoo2238]

It's hard to imagine what it was like to be under sail during the passage of the Strait. Looks daunting enough in powered vessels. And thank goodness for the professional pilots.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

Yeah. Those old-timers have balls of steel. (For their cannons 🤣)

[@sootylum]

What an incredible voyage thank you for sharing. It looks so much like Scotland.

[@ChiefMAKOi]

It does!