The President of the Amicale Internationale or Grand Mât is the
German Captain, Heiner Sumfleth. The International General Secretary is the Belgian
Captain, Roger Ghys. The Chancellor of the Medal, and Custodian of the Golden Book of the
A.I.C.H., is the French doctor, André Le Mouellic, whose Cap Hornier father navigated
around the Chilean South Pacific seas on French sailing ships.
In
recent years a growing number of yachtsmen have navigated South Chilean waters and passed
Cape Horn during oceanic regattas. These captains may only be considered as extraordinary
members of A.I.C.H.
On November 1st 1997, the English founded the I.A.C.H. -
International Association of Cape Horniers - which include those yachtsmen who have passed
Cape Horn during a crossing of no less than 3000 nautical miles.
The A.I.C.H. in its original version is an entity unique in the
world and one of the more exclusive club that has existed. Its life will come to an end
after the last Congress to be held in Saint Malö, France, in May
2003. Before the last Congress an international meeting was held
in Nyborg, Denmark, in July 2002. In spite of this, the Chilean Brotherhood
of Captains of Cape Horn will continue in accordance with its own rules. The
Spirit of
Saint Malo, which is directly linked with the glorious era of the early sail ship
Captains, will never fade away. Their loyalty, courage, determination,
bravery, leadership
abilities and sailor's spirit will live on within those institutions that will replace
A.I.C.H.
