"Yachts give you flexibility and a real sense of adventure that you don't get flying, and the Antarctic Peninsula is a much more beautiful and interesting landscape than the inland," wrote Damien Gildea in a previous feature story on Antarctic Logistics. In the image, the Australis traversing a pack ice section (click to enlarge).
The fully-equipped Australis sailing yatch is prepared both for luxury cruises and as support for Antarctic expeditions. She carries 9 passengers, plus crew. All images courtesy of Ocean Expeditions (click to enlarge).
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Antarctica Logistics: Australis available for the Antarctic Peninsula
Posted: Oct 11, 2006 01:09 am EST
(ThePoles.com/TheOceans.net) You don't have to fly there and ski to the pole. You can sail there and explore terra incognita for two weeks; cheaper - and outside the box. In a recent feature story on Antarctic Logistics we published several options for those interested in visiting the ice by yacht. The trips are usually fully-booked months in advance, however, Roger Wallis' Ocean Expeditions crew just alerted ExWeb of a last-minute opportunity.
Anyone up for a sailing trip to Patagonia – Antarctica perhaps?
A recent cancellation means the "Australis" is available for November and December 2006. Thus the crew is proposing two trips: one to Cape Horn and the glacier region of the Patagonian fjords & the other to the Antarctic Peninsula.
The Patagonian trip can be a cool option for those not so much into spending days on the open ocean. The 14-day cruise offers disembarkments on some of Patagonia's stunning spots. The sea adventure is complemented with trekking, kayaking and zodiac trips. Planned date of departure is November 6.
Three days across rough waters to Antarctic Peninsula
The second, 21 day trip, will depart from Ushuaia (southern Argentina) for the Antarctic Peninsula by November 21. Those joining the trip will have 15 days to enjoy the Peninsula. But they will also experience the challenge of sailing the dark, open Antarctic waters – including the infamous Drake Passage - for three days each way.
The fully-equipped "Australis" yacht is designed both for luxury cruises and as a support vessel for Antarctic expeditions. She can carry 9 passengers, plus crew. Check Ocean Expedition's website for further details, trips and prices.
The Australis is a steel hulled, fully rigged motor sail yacht. She carries a comprehensive range of safety provisions, operational and navigational equipment. A 180hp Gardner Diesel engine powers the vessel and she is equipped with two zodiac tenders. Roger Wallis operates this international charter service.
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