Crossing towards the Antarctic Peninsula
The cruises normally start from Ushuaia (Argentina) or Puerto Williams
(Chile). Leaving Fireland behind, the sailing yacht enters the Drake
Passage. Sailing conditions vary: the sea may be very quiet or lifted
up by a strong westerly gale with huge waves. After a few days with
the albatrosses, Cape petrels and numerous other seabirds flying
around the boat, the first icebergs announce the arrival in the
Antarctic Peninsula.
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The navigation in Antarctica
Climatic conditions and the crew's predilection will then
decide the schedule to enjoy the landscapes and anchorage.
The boat sails towards historic places, whaling stations of
the beginning of the century, former explorers' winter bases,
or natural sanctuaries. Within a few hours sailing, she meets
a flock of whales, Weddell seals or floating floes with leopard
or crabeater seals resting on them. |
| Everyone can observe the
amazing polar landscape: rounded ice sheet, blue icebergs, steep
cliffs and enormous glaciers or spend hours watching the abundant
marine wildlife always keeping a certain distance from the animals
to respect their security and quietness. |
Minky whales-
Pén. Antarctique |
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Paradise Bay Antarctic Peninsula
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Some
sites...
- The most classical sites are the Melchior Archipelago in
Dallman bay where whales are often seen; the old british base
at Port Locroy; The majestic beauty of the Lemaire Channel;
the stranded icebergs cemetery near Pleneau island where Hugues
Delignières overwintered in solo; Peterman island with
Adelie penguins and Port Charcot, Doctor Charcot's two winter
places from the beginning of the century; Vernadsky Base at
Argentine islands and John Rymill's hut; northward the splendid
Paradise bay, Cuverville bay, |
Foyn Harbour where the remains of the boat "Gobernor
Rew" remind us of the whaling activity of the 20th century.
Crossing the Bransfield Strait, the South Shetland islands
often windier but with an even more abundant wildlife and
of course, the impressive crater of the still active volcano
on Deception island.
- A less classical approach would
be to Elephant island where Sir Shackleton left his men
when he went to look for help in South Georgia after his
incredible voyage, and, ice conditions permitting, an incursion
into the Weddell sea or southwards into Marguerite bay and
its islands, even more isolated from touristic and human
activities.
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When
to sail? Climate and duration of the cruises.
The best period for a trip to Antarctica is the austral summer from
the 15th of December till 15th of March when days are long (24 day
lights hours in December - January) and temperatures are milder
(between 0 and +5°C ) with dry and often sunny weather.
Duration: Minimum 4 weeks (4 days for the crossing of the Drake
Passage). Longer trips allows us to reach Marguerite bay or to organise
mountaineering expeditions |
