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TEAM REQUIRED FOR JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME OCT - NOV 2010
Shackleton Traverse S. Georgia Nov 2008
Stephen has been three times to the sub-antarctic island of
South Georgia. He loves the place so much he wants to go back
again in the austral spring of 2010 and is looking for a team to
accompany him. As with the successful 2008 expedition, this trip
will use Skip Novak’s purpose-built 25 metres yacht, Pelagic
Australis, to sail from the Falklands to South Georgia and back.
The voyage generally takes four or five days and everyone on
board is expected take turns on watches. So this is a unique
opportunity to sail with world-class yachtsmen across one of the
most remote stretches of water on earth, to an island famed for
its unique wildlife, exploration heritage and stunning mountains
rising 9,000 feet straight out of the ocean.
Looking back down Trident slope
South Georgia in winter showing route options
EXPEDITION OPTIONS
Once on the island itself there are three main options,
depending on the experience and ability – and wishes – of the
team:
Shackleton Traverse Highlights
We will anchor at famous landmarks on the Shackleton
Traverse of 1916 – King Haakon Bay, Fortuna Bay and Stromness –
and, weather permitting, make day trips by foot and ski to key
points on the Traverse, getting a glimpse of the mountainous
interior never seen by regular cruise passengers. There will
also be time to visit the whaling museum at Grytviken and some
of the most spectacular wildlife sites, such as the immense king
penguin rookery at St Andrews Bay. For a taste of a past
Shackleton traverse
click here.
Classic Shackleton Traverse
A tougher option, requiring luck with the weather and a
committed team. Shackleton, Crean and Worsley made the journey
from King Haakon Bay to Stromness in 30 hours non-stop, in a
desperate bid to rescue 31 marooned companions. Most recent
parties to repeat the route, have done it in a more leisurely
three days. By going in spring we should be able to do almost
the entire route on ski, towing camping gear in sledges. If we
are lucky with the weather, there will also be time for other
excursions around the island as in the first option.
Grand Traverse of the Salvesen Range
In 1990 Stephen was in one of the very few parties ever to
venture into the southern interior of the island when he made
the first ascent of Mount Carse with Brian Davison. He would
love to return to this southern Salvesen Range with a suitably
determined, experienced team, prepared to commit to up to ten
days ski-mountaineering on remote glaciers. The team will be put
ashore at Royal Bay, to climb up to the Ross Pass, before
heading south, following several glaciers to the pick-up point
in the spectacular haven of Larsen Harbour. We will travel by
ski, towing sledges. If all goes well, there may be a chance to
attempt an unclimbed peak on the way.
MIX AND MATCH
Pelagic Australis can take 7 paying passengers. If, say, only
four were keen skiers/mountaineers, it would be perfectly
possible for the other three to have a fascinating time cruising
from bay to bay, going for short sea level excursions, while the
mountain team was away. All plans would in any case have to be
highly flexible, dependent on the vagaries of Southern Ocean
weather.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED AND NEED FOR TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT
If the team has limited experience, it will be essential to
undertake a training and assessment weekend in a suitable alpine
environment, before any final decision is made on objectives in
South Georgia.
DATES
The dates are for a four week return trip from the Falklands,
with Saturday flights to and from Santiago de Chile (32 days
round trip from Europe or North America). Two options:
October 9 – November 6, 2010
November 20 – December 11, 2010
The former is marginally better for skiing, with a good chance
of snow almost down to the beach. Both options offer fantastic
opportunities for wildlife viewing.
PRICE
Total price per person includes the following:
Four weeks charter of Pelagic Australis
All food and wine on board and on South Georgia, once we set
sail from Port Stanley
Foul weather gear on board
Communal camping and cooking equipment, including pulks
(sledges)
Fees and expenses for Stephen Venables and one other mountain
leader.
Not included:
Travel to and from the Falklands
Personal clothing and equipment
Food and drinks ashore in Port Stanley
Internet communications on board
Group price for seven people maximum: 98,000 euros
Price per person: 14,000 euros (£12,750 at Oct 09 exchange rate)
For further information or to discuss your participation in this
expedition contact Stephen by:
E-mail:
info@stephenvenables.com
Tel: +44 (0)1225 442892
Mob: +44 (0)781 012 4631
Pelagic Australis leaving South Georgia |
