Among the most notorious geographic features of the five continents, there is none so frightening and impressive as Cape Horn. The hurricane force winds, strong currents and shallows create waves so huge that any vessel, of whatever size turns into a nut shell in a storm. In these circumstances navigation can rapidly turn into a nightmare, and stay that way for weeks.

Amicale Internationale was founded in 1937 in Saint Malo, France, by a group of French sailing ship Captains who - inspired by what they defined as the Spirit of Saint Malo - gave life to a professional association of friendship. The first members were experienced men of the sea, Captains of merchant sailing ships who had passed the famous Cape Horn. This was done with the limited navigational aids and meteorological support that existed at that time - they lived and survived extraordinary adventures.

The Second World War put the association temporarily on hold. Once the conflict was over, it was revived with even more vigor, incorporating, little by little, most of the European maritime countries, since their commercial routes between Europe, America and Australia took them past the feared Cape Horn.

The following countries have been active members of the AMICALE: Åland Island, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, and The United States of America.

Due to the passing away of most of its members, the Sections of Italy, Norway, Sweden, and The Netherlands are presently inactive. These are being replaced with other, allied organizations, also inspired by the Spirit of Saint Malo.