Q: why is the expedition so long?

 

A: We know it's complicated to take so much time for many reason, family, work...

This is not a classic destination. Antarctica is the land of all superlatives, difficult to reach. On the one hand, it is necessary to allow time for navigation between the different spots of the vast peninsula, where navigation can only be done during the day (regardless of the boat used), for obvious safety reasons with icebergs.

Above all, it is necessary to allocate time on site for each place, in order to soak up the place, and guarantee the best experiences with the animals.

Of course we could have chosen the easy way and do like most of the regular "expeditions", choosing some touristic sites on the peninsula, speedseeing them by spending only 6 hours there then moving to the next, all to complete the adventure in 2 weeks.

But we prefer to offer a much more complete experience.

If you do Antarctica, you want to do it perfectly!

That's why we need a slightly longer expedition. But taking a step back, what are 30 days in a lifetime? They could be among the most beautiful days of your...

 

Q: What is the difference between a classic Antarctic trip on a big boat and this sailboat expedition?

 

A: We should rather reverse the question, and ask what are the few common points between these two types of travel, because except the destination EVERYTHING opposes them!

 

1) the ecological footprint: major atmospheric pollution of large cruise ships, noise pollution in an environment very rich in cetaceans which is harmful to them, impact of landings of >120 people in the middle of a colony of penguins... vs almost zero carbon footprint of our sailboat, almost zero noise pollution, landings <10 people with penguins, you can easily imagine that the experience is by far better...

 

2) the flexibility of the itinerary: boats <12 people have no itinerary and schedule constraints, they sail wherever they want and can anchor anywhere. If a place is particularly rich in animal life, let's stay there a bit longer! Vs boats >12 people do not have this latitude and must provide a precise itinerary, this means that if a remarkable site is not accessible on such a day because of the weather, it cannot be visited later.

 

3) the flexibility of snorkeling/diving : we have our waterproof suits at the back of the boat, ready to be put on at any time. Things are going fast in Antarctica, and if a sea leopard plays around the boat, we get into the water with him immediately. Or if we anchor near a colony of penguins, we can dedicate a zodiac for those who want to meet them on land, and a zodiac for those who want to go to the water with it. This way to proceed  guarantee us the best interactions with animals and the best photographs because we seize all opportunities. On a sailboat we are also closer to the animals, such as whales and orcas, which is ideal for their observation.

Of course it's not gonna happens on a big boat.

 

4) the flexibility of zodiac cruises : we have 2 zodiacs, so we will be 4 or 5 on each, which allows us to be really comfortable. We stay as long as necessary on the field, even 3 hours if necessary, if for example we have several groups of whales feeding, or orcas hunting seals!

Zodiacs are in radio communication but explore different areas which gives us the impression of being alone in the world.

The big boats have more than 10 zodiacs with 10-12 people crowded and make several rotations so that everyone can go out. The experience is not the same...

 

5) life on board: we are a small group of 12 including 3 crew members and 2 leaders. The on land and underwater experience with animals is by far better, because the human pressure on animals is very low. Life on board is quiet, on a non-noisy sailboat that allows us to relax and completely soak up the tranquility of Antarctica, which does not prevent us from having our little beer or glass of wine in the evening outside, only listening the sound of penguins and whale breaths!

Here, no engine and chimney noise, no general ringing audible hundreds of meters away announcing the meal to the 200+ people on board, no waiting to get on one of the 10-15 zodiacs,...

 

Q: Why cross the DRAKE by sailboat and not come directly by plane?

 

A: there is indeed an airport in the South Shetland Islands, one of the outposts of the Antarctic Peninsula, and some companies offer fly-in and fly-out to avoid crossing the strait.

Believe that if the method were reliable we would offer it! But unfortunately it is not. It is an airport  difficult to access where it is extremely common for planes to not be able to land or take off due to the weather, sometimes for several days. Of course, companies do not talk about it when booking, but it is common for people to lose many days by being blocked!

It is much more reliable to cross the DRAKE by boat.

Not to mention the ridiculous price of the plane ticket for this crossing (Two or three thousand USD)...

 

Q: why is it so expensive?

 

A: This is the price to pay for30days aboard a boat where everything is included, but also and above all for the safety and comfort offered by one of the best polar sailboats and its extremely experienced crew. Once again, we could have chosen a random sailboat to reduce costs, but to sail in these hostile territories we preferred to take the best ones.

 

Q: who is the trip for?

 

A: lovers of the great outdoors, adventurers, whether they are photographers or not, it doesn't matter. Nevertheless, you must have a minimum of physical form because conditions require it: cold weather, sometimes snowy, snorkeling in 0 celsius water, maneuvers on board. No need to be a great athlete but a minimum is required, and the fitter you are, the better the experience will be.

Note that minors are not accepted, as well as pregnant women and people whose medical condition is not compatible, for obvious safety reasons.

 

Q: Is the Drake crossing so terrible?

 

A: It lasts 3 to 4 days, and the passage can sometimes be agitated. There are two things to consider, seasickness and the movements of the boat.

Regarding seasickness, it usually lasts a few hours on the first day, while our brain gets used to the contradictory information sent by our eyesight and inner ear. We recommend patches or pills, there are also dedicated glasses that have proven their effectiveness.

Regarding the possible movements of the boat (tanging, rolling), you must always keep one hand available to stand firmly and to avoid falling  and injuring yourself.

These instructions will be recalled during the briefing.

Apart from that, the crossing is far from being as terrible as we want to say, and always takes place in a good atmosphere. Note that there are hours of day and night shift during the crossing, 3 groups of 4 are formed in order to maneuver on the boat if necessary (it is more to keep the crew member company than anything else)

Once we arrive at the level of the peninsula, the multitude of small islands means that there are always places sheltered from the wind allowing us to be safe. Navigation is generally very calm, often on a sea of oil.

 

Q: Do you need experience in navigation?

 

A: no. The crew will conduct a briefing on the first day and may ask for a hand from time to time, but these are simple things that do not require prior experience.

 

 

Q: are the crossing deadlines respected? Is there a risk that I will miss my plane on the way back?

 

A: the crew plans crossing times fairly precisely according to weather conditions. Nevertheless, it is better to plan an extra day on the return, just in case. However, in the event of exceptionally degraded weather conditions, which is rare but can happen, we will prioritize safety and will only undertake the crossing when conditions are favorable. In the event of a delay related to the conditions, we cannot be held responsible.

 

Q: what about meals on board?

 

A: there is plenty of food.  The boat has many compartments filled with various food and the crew members regularly cook tasty dishes. Many snacks are available and freely accessible anytime. There is enough to make coffee, tea and hot chocolate at any time. Alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer are also included.

Everyone is required to do the dishes in turn.

If you have dietary requirements it can be arranged, just tell us about it.

 

Q: what about diving equipment?

 

A: we recommend a drysuit with drygloves and a 7 to 10mm hood, 2 masks, 2 snorkels, a pair of weighted fins (type Jetfin), a weight belt (without weights).

You will have to bring your own equipment, we suggest that you be comfortable and  have already tried it at home, before coming.

If you want to join us we will send you the complete list of equipment to bring.

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