Sailing Expedition in the footsteps of Shackleton:Tierra del Fuego – Antarctica – South Shetlands – Elephant Island – South Georgia – Falklands Hello, today I’m writing you regarding a private project that I would like to share with you: a very special and outstanding sailing trip I am planning.„I believe it is in our nature to explore, to reach out into the unknown.” Sir Ernest Shackleton
Probably many people are dreaming of sailing in Shackleton's footsteps to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. So do I. For a Long time.Since I “sailed” around the world together with the polar explorers and discoverers, reading their books and stories as a child, there has been this longing for the wide oceans and remote corners of this world, especially those in the high latitudes.Admittedly, cruising in Shackleton's footsteps isn't the only thing I dream of, but it is one I've always wanted to do, one that, after several trips to the Arctic, still exists and always haunts my dreams. One I didn't just want to have dreamed of should I ever have to embark on what will probably be my last journey.In order to make this dream come true for myself and others, I launched the "Sailing SOUTH 2024" project. This is a privately initiated project to organize, realize and set up this very special trip: a sailing trip in the footsteps of Shackleton to the Southern Ocean - on the occasion of his 150th birthday, 110 years after him and the Endurance.Route: Tierra del Fuego - Antarctica - South Shetlands – Elephant Island - South Georgia - Falklands.We want to cross the notorious Drake Passage from Tierra del Fuego and sail through the furious 50s and screaming 60s on the most stormy of all oceans. We will explore the grandiose ice and glacier world of the Antarctic Peninsula, set foot on the seventh continent and marvel at its incomparable wildlife. We want to set our course - if the ice allows us - into the Weddell Sea with its iceberg giants, call at the volcanic islands of the South Shetlands and - following Shackleton - sail from Elephant Island to South Georgia. We want to trace his tracks there and those of the old whaling stations, as well as discover the unique biodiversity of this sub-Antarctic island. To finally end our journey in the Falklands.A great adventure on a small sailing yacht, not an expedition cruise ship, in one of the most remote, wildest and most beautiful sailing areas in the world. This expedition offers a rare and exceptional opportunity to visit Antarctica and South Georgia and to getting to know and explore the Southern Ocean and its islands, the historic sites, georgeous landscapes, the incredible wildlife in a very personal way, not possible with a larger ship or cruise ship.A suitable partner for the trip has been found - already for many years in the Southern Ocean, in the Antarctic, the Arctic and on the oceans of this world: A proven expedition sailing yacht (66 feet, steel ketch), built for extreme conditions, with countless miles in polar regions in its wake and its proven and professional team of skippers (3 persons) with a lot of experience in the high latitudes and on long trips in such remote areas.There is space for 8 fellow sailors / guests / teammates.The six and a half week trip is scheduled to take place from February 4th to March 20th, 2024 (46 days).But time is running: The expedition can only take place if there are enough adventurous fellow sailors joining me. The team is not yet complete and there are a few free places for other curious and daring, seaworthy fellow sailors, adventurers with enough time and a suitable budget who are willing to fulfill a big dream for themselves and to embark on this adventure together with my team and me.So time is pressing. And now – hopefully - it’s your turn.
Detailed and further information on the team and me, the background, the trip, the ship and the route can be found on the project website:https://sailing-south-2024.com/en/I hope you have some time for taking a look and I would be very happy if you would help and support me to let to know as many people as possible about that special adventure and to find co sailors and team / crew members as soon as possible.
If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact me
Thank you very much for all your help. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Greetings from the Black Forest, Southern Germany.
Christiane Dalcolmo