Expedition Destination	Days/Nights	Expedition Miles
Antrarctica	22 days, 21 nights	1,500+ nm

Trip Trail

Scheduled Expeditions to Antarctica for Austral Summer Season 2010 - 2011

SV SM AUSTRALIS - (22 days, 21 nights)

A01/16 FROM 17-12-2010 TO 07-01-2011 BOOKED

A02/16 FROM 14-01-2011 TO 04-02-2011 LIMITED SPACE

A03/16 FROM 11-02-2011 TO 04-03-2011 BOOKED

 

 

Intro

Opposite of Arktos, the “Great Bear” constellation which dominates the skies of the northern hemisphere, on the southern end of the planet lays Antarktikos.

Described by Schackleton as “the last great challenge left to man”, Antarctica , the planet's fifth-largest continent is still today, a challenge in many ways.

Our Antarctic Expeditions aim at reviving the manner in which Antarctica was explored first. A smaller vessel, such as SV Santa Maria AUSTRALIS offers enough independence to feel the true sense of exploration. Every year now, thousands of people visit the white continent, and just a few of those can say they have done it with enough freedom to feel they have visited Antarctica in a personal, intimate way.

What makes these Expeditions so special?

They are a chance to experience first-hand the adventure and camaraderie of sea navigation.

Why is it a good idea?

Because individual berths are sold on each trip, giving enough flexibility for different group sizes to join in. Also these Expeditions are a good opportunity to fully explore the area the way not even airplanes or big cruise ships can. Full access to coves and islets are what make “our way”, the unique way in which to carefully unveil the secrets of the area.

Expedition Style

CREW; The unique way to experience first-hand navigation. Team-work, duties, chores, and the traditional sailing spirit are emphasized, encouraged, and expected. Participants join the expedition as crew, getting access to the special opportunity to be part of a revival of the ancient art of sailing-based exploration.

Highlights

Visit to Puerto Williams, southernmost community in the world. Sail through waters of the ancient Yamana (Yaghan) culture. Pass Cape Horn . Sail across legendary Drake Passage . Visit to Deception Island . Antarctic Peninsula . Enterprise Island . Gerlache Strait . Waterboat Point & Gonzales Videla Antarctic Base ( Chile ). Paradise Bay . Port Lockroy ( UK ). Vernadsky Base ( Ukraine , southernmost place to be visited). Lemaire Channel. Sea Leopards. Gentoo Penguins. Adélie Pengüins. Humpback Whales. Minke Whales. Orca Pods. Abandoned Whaling stations. Icebergs, Bergie Bits & Growlers.

Who can join and participate?

Everyone with an adventurous spirit, and a taste for wilderness.

It must be kept in mind, that this is a sailing expedition, and as such, a good physical condition as well as team work aptitude and a positive attitude in order to be able to spend time with other individuals in enclosed spaces for periods of time are not only desirable, but required in order to participate. All those who join participate in all aspects of the expedition, such as kitchen chores, navigation watch, navigation maneuvers, sailing maneuvers, and other.

It must also be kept in mind that an expedition to Antarctica is no small feat, and even though SIM Expeditions counts with a high latitude-prepared vessel, and with prepared skippers and sailors, it should be understood that this expedition is to one of the most remote and harshest of places on the planet. Previsions must be taken by participants regarding insurance for emergencies, accidents, evacuations, and other, as well as suitable gear, and correct expectations on the physical demands of an expedition to such a destination.

What can be expected?

Of the destination

Home to the driest, coldest, and windiest conditions on earth, Antarctica remains elusive and inhospitable; this in turn is why hundreds and now thousands of people visit it every year. From timeless ice to penguins, whales, seals, and science, the white continent is maybe the last place where man is still exclusively a visitor.

Of the climate

Antarctica has the characteristics that make it the driest, coldest, and windiest place on earth. Strong UV protection and adequate foul weather gear are a must. It must be taken in consideration, than the crossing of the Drake Passage is commonly what would be considered rough and tiring.

Temperatures in Antarctica, in the places ( Antarctic Peninsula ) and times of the year (December to February) to visit commonly stay above freezing, but the wind chills can be brutal given the strong winds common in the area.

Of the Expedition

SIM Expeditions founder Wolf Kloss puts it quite well when he says that “our expeditions are not just about sailing, but mainly about discovery.” Even though the main activity in our expeditions we recognize as sailing, the whole concept of exploration is what we want people to take with them. To achieve this, efforts are made in order to land in places where treks, wild flora and fauna, and even visits to some of the local people are a possibility. In order to keep a schedule that will provide the opportunities to witness the breath-taking landscapes the area has to offer, wind conditions are key, and whenever sailing does not allow for efficient mobility, the vessel will turn to engine power in order to not only make the best of the track, but also to avoid unfavorable weather conditions.

Life on board is to be expected in an atmosphere of expedition. Chores and sailing maneuvers reinforce the camaraderie unique to this type of expeditions. Early mornings are the rule, in order to take maximum advantage of the area's attractions. The temperature inside the boats can vary depending on the situation, and the climatic and sailing context, typical of a sailing vessel, but inside temperature averages around 16-18 degrees Celsius. Both Vessels have pump-powered toilets and “sailboat showers” available. Please note that even though available, showers cannot be expected everyday given the importance of conserving and efficiently use water. A good recommendation is that each person brings his/hers own sponge in order to better enjoy a “sailboat shower”.

Of SIM Expedition’s Crew

You can expect a team of friendly and hospitable individuals who will help you out experience the Expedition at its fullest. Also, we have a very “down to-earth” approach towards everyone, making the atmosphere in the boats, the field, or the office, accessible, warm, and welcoming.

Itinerary

Day 1– You reach Puerto Williams, the starting point of your sailing expedition, via:

a) Buenos Aires and Ushuaia

The sailing yacht is either at the dock in Ushuaia or lying at anchor in the bay. The skipper welcomes you at the AFASYN sailing club in Ushuaia Bay at 0900 am. Approximate departure time 1200. After arrival on the first day of the expedition, as well as on the last day, there will be a complimentary transfer from Ushuaia to Puerto Williams or respectively the other way round. If necessary we may use a craft other than the yacht booked to run these transfers.

b) Or Santiago and Punta Arenas

From Punta Arenas you will be boarding the two-engine Twin Otter of the air taxi regional operator DAP, which will take you on a spectacular flight across the Darwin Range into the Beagle Channel to Puerto Williams, the starting point of our expedition.

A member of our SIM Expeditions team will be waiting at the airport, ready to pick you up.

The sailing yacht will reach Puerto Williams in the afternoon of the first day of your sailing expedition, and y ou will be welcomed on board to begin the voyage.

A glass of “pisco sour” at the Yacht Club will round-off our first evening.

Day 2 – Puerto Williams to Drake Passage

Day 3, 4, 5 – Drake Passage South . 2 & 4 hours two-man watches are to be carried by each participant.

Day 6 – Arrival to Deception Island

Day 7– Deception Island South to Enterprise Island

Day 8– Enterprise Island South to Chilean González-Videla Antarctic Base

Day 9– González Videla Antarctic Base ( Chile ) South to Port Charcot

Day 10, 11 – Port Charcot South to the Argentine Islands . Visit to Vernadsky Research Station (southernmost point of our expedition)

Day 12 – Visit North to Peterman Island, anchor at Port Lockroy.

Day 13– Port Lockroy North to Dorian Bay

Day 14– Dorian Bay North to Melchior Islands.

Day 15 – Melchior Islands . Preparations for the crossing N of the Drake Passage.

Day 16, 17, 18 – Crossing of the Drake Channel back North. 2 & 4 hours two-man watches are to be carried by each participant.

Day 19 – Arrival at the Fuegian Archipelago. Anchor at Martial Cove or Lennox Cove.

Day 20 – Rest and relaxation after the crossing of the Drake Passage .

Day 21 – Arrival to Puerto Williams, where the Expeditions celebrates at the legendary Bar Micalvi, the end of an unforgettable expedition.

Day 22 – Disembarking of the vessel. Return to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas .

Please Note that this Itinerary is tentative only. The weather has always the last word. The itinerary is designed in order to leave enough time at the end of the Expedition in case of any delays. The itinerary, if necessary, will be modified by the Captain according to his criteria.

What's included?

A standard CREW Expedition Includes:

• Transportation, if necessary, from Ushuaia to Puerto Williams, and from Puerto Williams to Ushuaia. After arrival on the first day of the turn, as well as on the last day, there will be a complimentary transfer from Ushuaia to Puerto Williams or respectively the other way round. If necessary we may use a craft other than the yacht booked to run these transfers.

• The complementary transfer will be not available when the participant not arrives on time for the transportation to be pre arranged by SIM Expeditions and also not in the cases where the participant take only six (6) days from a whole trip of twelve (12). In these cases the organizations and costs associated with transportation from and to the vessel are to be assumed entirely by the participant.

• Food and wine. Our choice of table wine and beer to be served with meals. A standard of three meals are to be expected by the Captain (Only a Joke).

• Port fees, permits & local taxes .

• Vessel running costs.

• Life jacket (PFD) Automatic type, with harness.

• Limited Access to global communication device (sat phone). We work with Iridium and INMARSAT (transmissions costs not included).

• Access to interpretative material such as nautical charts and a small on-board thematic library.

• Accommodation on a heated cabin once on board.

• Linen (only on S.V. Santa Maria Australis) which includes a cozy “Duvet”

What's not included?

A standard CREW Expedition does not include:

• Beer, spirits and other alcohol unless otherwise indicated.

• Special and personal dietary supplements (i.e. power bars, energy drinks)

• Personal skin-care products such as sunscreen lip balms, Dermartone, or other.

• Travel arrangements to port of boarding such as airfare, hotels, restaurants and other, unless otherwise indicated.

• Travel costs to port of boarding such as airfare, hotels, restaurants and other.

• Necessary visa and immigration obtainer procedures, handling, and fees. Please be aware that you must obtain visa and/or the necessary paperwork in order to enter both Chile and Argentina .

• Personal clothing and gear unless otherwise stated.

• Personal medications. A general medical kit is available on board, despite this we recommend you consult your doctor and bring your personal medical kit.

• Transmission costs from use of Global Communication Device (Sat Phone) such as Iridium.

• Access to laptop or personal computers. The vessels do have this equipment on board, but they are for exclusively for the skipper's use for weather forecast reports, emergency communication, and others. No foreign USB drives or such can be plugged to this equipment either. We recommend you to bring your own storage device.

• Expenses once ashore.

• Personal Accident and Evacuation Costs.

Suggestions .

Further information and reading about the area, the geology, geography, history, and other important topics, as well as more practical one such as immigration documents for entering Chile or Argentina, currency, and other, can be widely found on the internet, and some of this info can be also be found in our website.

Please consider the importance of bringing the following items listed just below.

We strongly recommend the following items in order to better experience an Expedition to Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego, and/or Antarctica . Please note that these items are not just suggested, but most of them required.

1. Thermal Underwear.
2. Warm Socks (Fleece, Wool, or other).
3. Polar/Pile Fleece Jacket.
4. Trouser or Overall.
5. Outer Wind Proof Shell.
6. Water resistant and water proof protection (look for sailing and foul weather clothing gear, which is not the same as ordinary outdoor gear).
7. Waterproof Gloves.
8. Hat, Cap, Balaclava , preferably windproof.
9. Sea Boots, preferably full height, non-slip sole.
10. Boat Shoes or Slippers, with rubber sole.
11. Hiking Boots if desired for ashore hikes.
12. Towel.
13. Sleeping Bag (if sailing with SV Santa Maria).
14. Sunscreen of high PDF and after-sun Cream, as well as lip balm.
15. Sunglasses.
16. Small backpack.
17. “Soft Luggage” (no hard suitcases on board, unless it's special photographic equipment, for example). Duffel bags are a good example of what's a proper luggage format. If you happen to bring hard suitcases or similar, SIM Expeditions will provide storage space either in Ushuaia or Puerto Williams.
18. Personal medications. A general medical kit is available on board, despite this we recommend you consult your doctor and bring your personal medical kit.
19. Special Dietary supplements not included in SIM Expeditions meals.
20. A personal sponge for "sailboat showers".
21. Cash, in order to be able to purchase souvenirs. Most souvenir shops, as well as other small shops around towns smaller than Ushuaia, in the Beagle Channel, do not take credit cards or cheques. US dollars or Euros will work fine.
22. Laptops, USB drives and other electronic equipment useful for downloading and storing personal pictures, videos, and other data. The vessels do have this equipment on board, but they are exclusively for the Skipper's use for weather forecast reports, emergency communication, and others. No foreign USB drives or such can be plugged to this equipment either, so we recommend you bring your own in order to freely manipulate your personal information.
23. Plugs and adaptors. The electric current on the boats (SV Santa Maria and SV Santa Maria AUSTRALIS is of 12v and of 220v. The sockets on board are for plugs/outlets “Type C” (“European Two-plug”). Please be aware that access to the electric current on board is available, but limited to the Skipper's criteria.
24. CASH! Yes, in Port Lockroy, for example, there's a small and cozy gift shop which takes credit cards only if the amount is of more than U$100. The Port Lockroy Gift Shop takes American dollars, British Pounds, and Euros.

Notes of Importance:

Due to the geographical, meteorological, and cultural context of the area in which we operate, participants must be mindful of the importance of booking flights with enough time before and after the Expedition's start and end dates (Day 1, and Day 7).

We demand from every participant, to book flights, hotels, and other services for the dates before and after the Expedition, and not for the very same days the Expedition starts and/or ends. Please also note that it is highly recommended to purchase flexible air tickets given the possibility of late arrival due to unfavourable weather conditions, or other.

SIM Expeditions (Turismo SIM Ltda.) will not be held responsible for flight failure.

Please note that even though access to Global Communication Devices (in this case, Iridium and Inmarsat satellite Phone) is available, this access is limited and restricted to use according to the captain's criteria. The use of such device, available on board, is primarily for safety reasons. If you need unrestricted, continuous use of such a device, we highly recommend you bring your own.