By Will Gray

Spectacular Chilean Patagonia played host to the latest edition of the Wenger Patagonian Expedition Race last February " and the world's wildest and toughest race proved true to its reputation once again. On the southernmost course ever, 14 international teams tackled wild winds, racing rivers and mountain blizzards on a route " to the end of the world" and only half made it to the finish.

Every year Stjepan Pavicic, an experienced geologist and explorer born and raised in Chilean Patagonia, plots a route through his homeland to create what is one of the most extraordinary races on Earth. Designed to test competitors to the limit through a mix of biking, trekking and kayaking, it also highlights the unique history and culture of the region and raises awareness of the dangers faced by the fragile environment in this the beautiful part of the planet.

The specialized magazine "Focus on Cruising" informed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved banning of use and transportation of heavy fuel oil on ships sailing on Antarctic waters.

Starting August 2011 ships transporting more than 500 passengers and those using or transporting fuel oil, shall be no longer authorized to enter those waters. Tourism industry shall be limited to smaller ships, expedition type. The IMO, with the consent of Antarctic Treaty parties and members of International Association of Antarctic Tourism Operators is worried on possible damages a heavy oil spill might cause. Heavy fuel oil dissipates slower than lighter fuels, especially on cold waters. A spill, especially on the volume a cruiser transports, some 100,000 gross tons, would have an impact more than significant on environment.

Punta Arenas Mayor Vladimiro Mimica said to State Secretary of Vatican, cardinal Tarsicio Bertone, he hoped Pope Benedict XVI would accept President of the republic invitation to visit Chile and Magallanes could be included.

Mayor's wish was expressed when he declared cardinal Bertone “Illustrious Visit” after finishing the eucharist celebrated at the Cathedral Church.

With the aim of developing projects which may boost the city and the region as tourism development zone, Municipality of Punta Arenas convened a meeting to set up a tourism deck to fulfill it.

The idea is to unite efforts of private and public organizations that have to do with tourism, said the Mayor of Punta Arenas, Vladimiro Mimica, who presided this first meeting.

The Municipality of Punta Arenas honored as "Illustrious Visitors" the Portugal Secretary of State for Defense and Maritime Affairs Marcos Perestrello, the Chief of Staff of Portugal Navy, Admiral Fernando Melo, and the president of the Municipal Chamber (mayor) of Sabrosa, José Manuel Carvalho.

Punta Arenas, Mayor Vladimiro Mimica read the decrees approved by the Municipality Council in order to deliver these distinctions in an extraordinary meeting, giving to each of the distinguished the keys of the city.