It was 1992 when Felipe Cubillos Sigall and Javier Ovalle Letelier, nature enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and close friends, saw an opportunity in the region to use their creativity to establish a place that would welcome sailors from Chile and around the world while promoting local tourism. While working in the salmon industry in the early 1990s, Felipe Cubillos—a sailor by family tradition who had even represented Chile in a round-the-world regatta—met Javier Ovalle, who was employed in the forestry sector. Together, they created Marina del Sur, inspired by the great marinas of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations. The journey was not easy: they secured financing after convincing banks of the time by showing that more than ten people had pre-purchased berths and demonstrating that the project was commercially viable.

Years later, Alfredo Irarrázaval joined the partnership, bringing the drive needed for major projects such as the Varadero, the Storage Building, the MDS Service building, and the beloved Marina del Sur magazine, which was published for many years in an elegant print edition.

Mauricio Zwanzger also joined, contributing additional resources to continue the development.

Subsequently, Roberto Bravo, a close friend of Javier and Felipe, increased his partnership involvement, adding an additional focus on customer service.

Today, Marina del Sur has more than 150 berths, continues to grow, and serves as a hub for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of southern Chile. Most of the Marina’s staff have been there since its inception, led by its General Manager, Rodrigo Rojas Ramsay, who has been at the helm of the organization since it began.

Returning to the origin of the dream, it all began with Felipe Cubillos’ curiosity. He wondered in those years why there weren’t more yachts or sailboats in the area and why sailors from central Chile didn’t venture south, considering that Puerto Montt is the gateway to Northern Patagonia and the starting point for navigating the channels and fjords of southern Chile—the best-kept secret of the region. “Ovalle, let’s build a marina, expand the area’s offerings; the boats will come,” he said. But there was one problem: there was no land on the coastal edge. So Ovalle replied, “Partner, let’s do like in Japan—if there’s no land, we’ll take it from the sea.” “We did things that everyone thought were crazy,” Javier recalls.

Pioneers in the industry, Marina del Sur became the first floating marina in southern Chile. Others would later follow in their footsteps: Marina Oxxean, Club Náutico Reloncaví (which expanded with floating docks), Puyuhuapi, Quinched, Jéchica, and Huelmo, all of which now also accommodate vessels at their docks.

The nautical fleet has grown since 1992, and today, in Puerto Montt alone, there are 300 recreational vessels permanently enjoying the wonders of the area, providing employment to more than 100 families.