Tall Ship Europa to Cape Town

EUROPA EXPEDITIONS

Bark EUROPA - 8 week voyage, USHUAIA – CAPE TOWN

USHUAIA – ANTARCTICA – SOUTH GEORGIA –TRISTAN DA CUNHA – CAPE-TOWN 2009

Dates and costs will be published soon
Days on board: 53
Cost will be Approximately EUR 6000 for 4/5 person cabon and Eur 7000 for a 2 person cabin

The price includes all meals on board, tea, coffee and the excursions in Antarctica. The price is excluding the drinks on the bar, the transfer to and from Ushuaia and the travel/cancellation insurance.

Detailed voyage information:
The voyage summary is to be found below. You can fill in a contact form to obtain the detailed voyage information here. We will send you the complete voyage description by post.

Transfer:
We can help arrange the transfer to and from Ushuaia. You can of course also make your own travel arrangements. Please make sure you arrive in time in Ushuaia. The ship is not able to wait if you are too late.

The voyage
Next winter the 56-metre bark EUROPA will sail for the fifth time in the Southern hemisphere. Her last voyage that season will be 53 days and go from Ushuaia to Cape Town. In addition to Antarctica, the almost inaccessible sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha will be visited. This voyage will appeal to the sailing enthusiast and the nature-lover. Some crossings in the Southern Atlantic Ocean may take up to ten days. All aspects of the sailor’s life can be experienced. In the places that we visit ashore, the animal life goes beyond any other destination in the world in terms of numbers and species.

The expedition will start from Ushuaia in Argentina. The southernmost city in South America is located alongside the Beagle Channel. From here, EUROPA must cross ‘the Drake Passage’, renowned by sailors the world over. After passing the Antarctic Convergence Zone, the ship sails between the icebergs to the South Shetland Islands. The animal life is overwhelming. Sea lions, seals, gulls, cormorants and petrels use the summer in Antarctica to raise their young. A professional guide will give information about the flora and fauna. He will explain for example where to find bird and sea elephant colonies and he will give advice about what to do to avoid disturbing the unspoilt scenery. The ice masses will get bigger as EUROPA approaches the mainland. Steep glaciers, walls of ice with magical shapes and surreal colours will surround EUROPA with floating growlers on which the leopard seals live. Visitors ashore will often be welcomed by many different kinds of penguins. On previous voyages many humpback whales, minke whales and even orcas came swimming alongside the ship. The last stop in Antarctica is Elephant Island, famous because Endurance’s crew survived there for five months while Shackleton went for help.

The predominant westerly winds guarantee good sailing. After five or six days the sub-Antarctic island South Georgia comes into sight. The helm grass on the coast of South Georgia gives an ideal shelter to fur seals and sea elephants. We stay here for one week, every day anchoring in a different bay, among albatrosses and thousands of king penguins. In the cemetery of the old Norwegian whaling station Grytviken we find Shackleton’s grave.

To sail EUROPA teamwork has to be the key. On board you learn the names of the hundreds of different lines and 30 sails. Everybody will experience the sea differently. Day after day, you will see wandering albatrosses, dolphins playing in the bow wave, a waxing, rising moon, and many more special things. After ten days a tiny island in the middle of the southern Atlantic Ocean comes into sight, Tristan da Cunha. We will anchor here for a few days, and let’s hope that the swell isn’t so big that we can’t land safely. Three hundred people live on this most isolated spot in the world. They share an island of 11 square kilometres with huge numbers of sea birds. The grey-headed and yellow-billed albatross are commonly seen and the rock-hopper penguins breed here.

We will then set sail for the final part of the expedition towards Cape Town, glorious sailing again with the westerly circumpolar winds blowing from astern.

Ten days later we arrive in Cape Town where seals are bathing in the sunshine or lying on the quays. It is time to say goodbye to EUROPA and the life on board. It will be difficult to get used to ‘normal’ life again.

Disclaimer : This voyage is for adventurers only.

You may encounter narrower bunks than you
may be accustomed to, wind, cold and other
unfavorable weather conditions.

In the words of a guest:

Now in all fairness, nobody has seen this ship in its full sailing
glory. (impossible to photograph while aboard) So take my word for it
that the effect is quite incredible. Once you get used to things,
even the angriest of seas can't wash away the thrill. Add to this the
elements of danger and inexperience and you have yourself a real
life, high seas adventure.

USHUAIA – ANTAR CTICA – SOUTH GEORGIA – TRISTAN DA CUNHA - CAPE TOWN

INDEX:

1 Voyage summary

2. The bark EUROPA

History of the ship

Life on board:

Safety

Technical details

3. Flora, fauna and history

Antarctica

South Georgia

Tristan da Cunha

4. The climate

5. Ashore

6. Planning of the expedition

7. Practical information

Medical care

Seasickness

Insurance

What to take

Money

Dates and prices

How to be reached by those who stay behind

How to make a reservation

Contact

8. Recommended reading and videotape

9. General conditions

The 56-metre bark EUROPA will sail in the Southern hemisphere and the last voyage and go from Ushuaia to Cape Town. In addition to Antarctica, the almost inaccessible sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha will be visited. This voyage will appeal to the sailing enthusiast and the nature-lover. Crossing the Southern Atlantic Ocean may take up to ten days, and all aspects of the sailor’s life can be experienced. In the places that we visit ashore, the animal life goes beyond any other destination in the world in terms of numbers and species.

The expeditions will start from Ushuaia in Argentina. This southernmost city in South America is located alongside the Beagle Channel. From here, EUROPA must cross ‘the Drake Passage’, renowned by sailors the world over. After passing the Antarctic Convergence Zone, the ship sails between the icebergs to the South Shetland Islands. The animal life is overwhelming. Sea lions, seals, sea gulls, cormorants and petrels use the summer in Antarctica to raise their young. A professional guide will give information about the flora and fauna. He will explain for example where to find bird and sea elephant colonies and he will give advice about what to do to avoid disturbing the unspoilt scenery. The ice masses will get bigger as EUROPA approaches the mainland. Steep glaciers, walls of ice with magical shapes and surreal colours will surround EUROPA with floating growlers on which the leopard seals live. Visitors ashore will often be welcomed by many different kinds of penguins. On previous voyages many humpback whales, minke whales and even orcas came swimming alongside the ship. The last stop in Antarctica is Elephant Island, famous because Endurance’s crew survived there for five months while Shackleton went for help.

To sail EUROPA teamwork has to be the key. On board you learn the names of the hundreds of different lines and 30 sails. Everybody will experience the sea differently. The horizon will sail with the ship day after day, wandering albatrosses, dolphins playing in the bow wave, a waxing, rising moon, and many more special things. After ten days a tiny island in the middle of the southern Atlantic Ocean comes into sight, Tristan da Cunha. We will anchor here for a few days, and let’s hope that the swell isn’t so big that we can’t land safely. Three hundred people live on this most isolated spot in the world. They share an island of 11 square kilometres with huge numbers of sea birds. The grey-headed and yellow-billed albatross are commonly seen and the rock-hopper penguins breed here.

We will then set sail for the final part of the expedition towards Cape Town, glorious sailing again with the westerly circumpolar winds blowing from astern. Ten days later we arrive in Cape Town where seals are bathing in the sunshine or lying on the quays. It is time to say goodbye to EUROPA and the life on board. It will be difficult to get used to ‘normal’ life again.

THE BARK EUROPA

The history:

EUROPA was built in 1911 under the name of “Senator Brockes” at the Stulcken shipyard in Hamburg, at the request of the city of Hamburg. The ship was put into service as Elbe 3 lightship on the river Elbe, and later worked as a stand-by vessel. In 1986, Harry Smit brought the ship to the Netherlands. Over a period of 8 years, the ship was completely rebuilt and rigged as a three-masted bark. The rebuilding and conversion to a sailing vessel was carried out under the supervision of the Dutch Shipping Inspection, Bureau Veritas and Register Holland. She sails with worldwide certificates from each of these authorities and she complies with the highest requirements for sailing ships.

Life on board:

Below decks your every need is catered for. On deck, you may, if you so wish, work with the crew sailing the ship, joining in the watch system; you may assist with manoeuvres, steering and navigation. Above all, you will have the chance to learn more about the sea and sailing. EUROPA may be steered from within the wheelhouse or on deck. She is ideal for ocean crossings and longer voyages, with various different places for relaxing: library, lounge, cosy corner and deckhouse. These various areas allow you to do your own thing: perhaps some quiet background reading, or perhaps a more active role in the social life in the deckhouse. The ship carries a video television, a c.d.- and cassette player and radio. There are also washing machines and tumble-dryers (although their use is restricted) and central heating throughout the ship. All cabins have an en suite toilet and shower. An experienced, professional Cook and Cook’s assistant look after your appetite, with very good, hearty meals. At the beginning of your voyage you will be briefed about safety on board, special sailing terminology and sail-handling, etc. During the voyage the crew will be pleased to answer your questions. There will also be a specialist guide on board, who has a lot of knowledge of the region.

Safety:

EUROPA is very solidly built. She is fitted out for worldwide sailing and has all the safety certificates required under Dutch law for these activities. The Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute, has asked the ship’s crew to monitor the weather whilst at sea. To enable us to do this, they supplied the ship with specialised equipment for taking observations. In return, the KNMI analyses our weather reports and provides routing. A professional crew make sure that the ship operates safely. They hold all the necessary professional qualifications. One of the challenges of sailing in this region is that we are not able to find local repair or maintenance facilities. We are equipped to be able to carry out such work ourselves on board. In addition to a drinking water capacity of 18,000 litres. in permanent tanks, we are able to convert seawater into drinking water using a water maker. Food stores will be taken on board just before our departure from Ushuaia. We will also take on board 20,000 litres of diesel to fuel the heating, electricity generators and the two main engines. The ship has a power supply of 220V and 380V AC and 12V and 24V DC.

Our safety equipment comprises life jackets, life rafts, fire extinguishing equipment, fire-fighting outfits with breathing apparatus, diving equipment, a comprehensive stock of medicine, and an emergency sick bay, EPIRB, and radar transponders. EUROPA’S navigational and communication equipment comprises radar, a compass in the wheelhouse, on deck and in the rescue boat, satellite navigation system, an echo sounder, a sextant, two SSB transmitters, and an Inmarsat fax terminal, two VHF transmitters, six portable radios and an emergency radio transmitter. There are two inflatable dinghies with outboard motors and one boat for transfers ashore.

Technical details bark EUROPA

Built: 1911

Homeport: The Hague

Flag: The Netherlands

Length overall: 56.0m

Beam: 7.4m

Draft: 3.9m

Air draft: 33m

Max sail area: 1250m2

Main engines: 2 x 365 HP, Caterpillar

Toilets and showers: All cabins en suite

Call sign: PDZS

3. FLORA, FAUNA AND HISTORY

ANTARCTICA

Flora and fauna:

Antarctica is a huge, cold, white plain, which appeals to the imagination of many. Most people are fascinated by the rich wildlife and the beauty of the Antarctic unspoilt natural environment. All penguin species live only in the Southern Hemisphere, but the greatest numbers live on Antarctic coasts and sub-Antarctic islands. Of the 18 different kinds of penguins, 7 live on the Antarctic continent, and on the Antarcitc Peninsula the gentoo- chinstrap- and adelie-penguins are the most common. Sometimes we see macaroni penguins or rock hopper penguins.

Almost all of Antarctica’s different kind of bids are to be found on the Antarctic continent, but only a few species are adapted to breed there regularly. Skuas are widespread and prominent in the Antarctic. They prey heavily on the eggs and chicks of penguins and small petrels. Prions, fulmars, and shearwaters are often seen, as well as terns, sheathbills, and two species of cormorants.

Fish and krill are important components of the marine ecosystems in the Antarctic. They are the major prey for larger predators such as baleen, humpback, minke and fin whales. The Orca is also common in this area.

There are also many seals. Depending on the species, seals feed on fish and squid or krill. The leopard seal is also a predator of penguins and other seals. Seals can leave the water and move ashore to breed, rest and moult.

The majority of the Antarctic continent is covered by permanent ice and snow. Less than 1% is available for colonisation by plants. Most of this ice- and snow-free land is found along the Antarctic Peninsula. There are no trees or shrubs and only two species of flowering plants; Antarctic hair grass and Antarctic pearlwort are found.

The vegetation is predominantly made up of lower plant groups (mosses, liverworts, lichens and fungi), which are specially adapted to surviving in extreme environments.

History:

Many people become interested in South Pole after reading about the voyages of Shackleton. The history goes further back to Captain Cook who passed the South Pole circle in 1773 and made a voyage around the continent. There was a suspicion of the existence of the continent but nobody actually saw Antarctica during this voyage. In 1819 the South Shetlands were discovered with an enormous quantity of fur seals on the beaches. Almost all of them were slaughtered over the next three years. A hundred years ago, during a Belgian Antarctic expedition from 1897 to 1899, under the command of Adriën de Gerlache, the first over-wintering took place.

Nowadays in the summer, approximately 10,000 tourists visit the peninsula. About 3,000 to 4,000 researchers spend the Southern summer living in several research stations but, during the Southern winter, that number dwindles to less than 1,000. When winter grips this great white desert, tourist activity is no longer possible.

Several countries claim territorial rights over different parts of the continent, but no country has ownership or sovereignty over any part of Antarctica. Following the International Geophysics Year 1957/58, the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 was drawn up, sharing responsibility for the continent between twelve countries. It was agreed that Antarctica would only be used for scientific research activities and that free access to the results of all research would be guaranteed. No type of military activity is allowed on any part of this territory and territorial claims of any sort are prohibited. In 1991, an Environmental Protocol was drawn up to introduce new regulations applicable specifically to tourism.

SOUTH GEORGIA

Flora and fauna:

South Georgia belongs to the sub-Antarctic islands that surround Antarctica. It is 120 kilometres long and 32 kilometres wide. It is rocky, geologically an offshoot of the Andes. In addition to the highest mountain ‘Mount Paget’, 2,934m, 12 other peaks rise higher than 2000 metres. 150 glaciers feed into spectacular fjords.

The animal life is extremely rich. Seals, penguins and sea birds live in the seas around Antarctica and look for a place on land to raise their young. Because only a small area of Antarctica is not covered by ice, many birds and animals choose the safe beaches and cliffs of a Sub-Antarctic island such as South Georgia. Wandering albatrosses and black-browed albatrosses, in particular, are commonly seen.

South Georgia is home to several different species of penguins. The most common is the King penguin. On the whole island there are around 30 rookeries, with a population of over 400,000 pairs. Sometimes we will see rock-hopper and gentoo penguins. We will also see rookeries of macaroni and chinstrap penguins.

South Georgia is home to 95 per cent of the world’s population of fur seals, 1.8 million at present. Groups of elephant seals, some 300,000 on South Georgia, occupy the beaches. Shallow coastal waters, where young fish find their food, are filled with three species of kelp.

In the past South Georgia was famous for its whales, witness the whaling stations which are still there today, albeit abandoned. The whale population is now much reduced but, fortunately, more humpbacks have been seen in the last couple of years. The sea here is full of krill, the food for these baleen whales. Other kinds, such as killer and fin whales, have been seen occasionally.

In 1910 Norwegian whaling companies introduced reindeer for sport and to serve as food. There are still some 2,000 left, but their number drops each year, after the harsh winter.

South Georgia boasts 26 native species of plants. The flora is related to that of the Falkland Islands and southern South America, but there are fewer species because of the long distance across the sea which seeds must travel. There are a lot of tussock grasses, various herbs, as well as rushes and over 125 different species of mosses. The red burnet and the yellow Antarctic buttercup are particularly remarkable. Vegetation is only to be found in the low coastal areas.

History:

In 1775 Captain Cook was the first to land on South Georgia; he claimed the island in the name of King George III of England. South Georgia is British territory, but has also been claimed by Argentina. At present the governor of the Falkland Islands administers the island.

In 1904, a large Norwegian whaling station, Grytviken, was established and a number of people lived off the processing of whale oil. In the sixties the whaling industry collapsed and the whaling stations were deserted.

Many of us have heard the incredible story of Shackleton, who in 1916 crossed the island on foot looking for help for the crew of his ship Endurance. While waiting for help, stranded on Elephant Island, the crew survived by eating the meat of penguins and seals.

TRISTAN DA CUNHA

Flora and fauna:

The 40 kilometres of coastline, comprising magnificent basalt cliffs, some rising steeply to 600 metres, is exposed to storm-tossed seas,. The vegetation is lush and green, with a dominance of grasses, mosses, ferns and low bushes. Due to human activities, the wildlife of Tristan has been severely depleted.

Its neighbouring islands, Inaccessible and Nightingale, are an ornithologist’s dream, with fourteen different types of petrels, including the greater shearwater, the prison and the storm petrel, rockhopper penguins, the yellow-nosed albatross and the wandering albatross. Besides that, two endemic finches and a thrush live there. In addition, Inaccessible has the diminutive Inaccessible flightless rail, the smallest flightless bird in the world. In 1994, Inaccessible was a declared a strict nature reserve. On Nightingale the islanders are still allowed to harvest eggs and chicks of the shearwaters.

The surrounding seas are rich in fish, providing Tristan da Cunha with one of its main sources of revenue, crawfish. Caught and then deep-frozen, the crawfish is shipped via South Africa to the United States and Japan, where it is much appreciated as a delicacy. Elephant seals and fur seals, whose populations are now recovering after the massacres in the previous century, visit the beaches of the Tristan group. Shallow waters around the islands are the playgrounds for the southern right whale.

History:

In 2006 it will be 500 years since the Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha, when sailing from Brazil to Cape the Good Hope, discovered what is now the most remote habited island on Earth. However he found it impossible to land due to tempetuous seas. The first settler to arrive on the island was an American, Captain Jonathan Lambert, who landed in 1811 and promptly declared to have absolute ownership of the island Tristan da Cunha. Unfortunately he drowned while fishing in 1812 together with 2 other men. In 1816, the British annexed the island and set up a garrison as a precaution against the French who, it was thought, were planning to rescue Napoleon from exile on the island of St Helena.

In the end it was Corporal William Glass, from Kelso in Scotland, who is regarded as the Founder of the present community. Following a tour of duty with the garrison, he returned with his wife, a coloured woman, two children and two companions. They made up the total population of six inhabitants after the garrison had finally departed. Some adventurous men and shipwrecked persons followed. The community still comprised no more than eleven flax-thatched cottages built from blocks of volcanic rock when, in 1867, HRH Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and second son of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, visited the island while voyaging round the world and gave the settlement of Edinburgh its present name.

The Settlement of Edinburgh now numbers just over 300 proud and hospitable people with only seven surnames among them. Through the islanders’ veins flows the blood of English sailors from Nelson's fleet, of Americans, Italians, Dutch, South Africans and of their neighbours on St Helena. English is the native tongue, albeit a slightly strange, preserved Georgian dialect laced with a few early Americanisms. In 1961 a dramatic volcanic eruption forced the evacuation of the entire island. They were taken to what we glibly refer to as 'civilisation', but almost all chose to return to the island when the eruption was over. Life in Tristan da Cunha has strong family loyalties and high moral standards. Crime is unknown and unemployment is non-existent. Administratively, the Tristan group are dependencies of the British colony Saint Helena. Known as "the remotest island in the world", Tristan can only be reached by ship, which usually calls about six times a year.

THE CLIMATE

The main part of the voyage on EUROPA is spent sailing on the Southern Ocean. The predominant winds are westerly, so we expect that we can do the most of the trip under sail. With a strong wind it can be really cold, especially in snow or hail showers, but the temperature rises on the last part of the voyage

On the lower coastline of Antarctica where we sail, the sun often shines and temperatures can reach up to 5 degrees Celsius, which means that when there is no wind it can be a pleasant temperature and you may come on deck or go ashore wearing just a warm jumper and trousers. On South Georgia it is less cold, but there is more rain and wind. On Antarctica, as on South Georgia, when it rains or is windy; however, a warm waterproof jacket really is essential. Remember that we are in Antarctica, even though it is summer.

ASHORE

It will not always be easy to find good landing places. Steep ice falls, cliffs and the swell of the sea might hinder safe landings, but as long as luck is on our side the Antarctic world will be open to us. The terrain is often hilly and there is a lot of snow. You might sink up to your ankles in snow. There is no customs authority, no police force; we will voluntarily adhere to the Environmental Protocol.

We have to take extra care when provisioning to ensure that we create as little waste as possible. Our crew will sort out the daily rubbish to separate paper, glass, plastic, cans, etc that we will take back to South America. Biological waste will only be thrown overboard when we are far out at sea.

Last year we managed to land on Tristan da Cunha, but when the swell is too big it is impossible to land.

PLANNING OF THE EXPEDITION

These voyage details are based on EUROPA’s experiences on expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha over the last few years. In putting together this year’s itinerary we have included the most impressive places we have visited in the past. However this description is only an example of where the voyage may take you. We aim to give you an idea of what to expect of your voyage, but it is important to realize that our day-to-day activities will depend on the wilderness. We hope that this helps you to decide to sign up for a voyage to Antarctica, South Georgia and Tristan da Cunha on EUROPA.

February 28, Signing on in Ushuaia:

People who arrived in Ushuaia earlier are welcome on board at 5 pm. The crew is busy storing provisions and cleaning the ship during the day, so we ask you not to embark before that time. For those who arrive today at Ushuaia airport, there will be a member of EUROPA’S crew waiting for you to accompany you to the ship in the harbour. After signing on to the crew list and taking your luggage to your cabin, you will enjoy your first meal on board. The captain and the expedition leader will inform you about the plans. We will stay in harbour overnight to allow you to have a good rest after your long flight.

February 29, casting off from Ushuaia:

During the morning, we cast off our mooring lines and the first attraction is, at least if the pilot allows us, sailing close to two rocky islets, the Islas de Lobos, which are covered with sea lions. Huge male sea lions lie around, keeping a watchful eye on their harem, protecting them from invaders. We see fur seals here as well, proudly grasping their prey, and blue-eyed shags take up every free metre of space. It’s packed. The first mate shows you how to put on the life jackets and introduces you to the many lines on board.

Twenty miles further on we sail along Isla Martillo, where a rookery of Magellan penguins nests in holes and under tree trunks and branches. We sail in between steep mountains with snow-covered peaks, then out of the Beagle Channel. With the average westerly winds we will probably be able to set the square sails. During the night we head southwards along the sheltered coast of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) and pass the light of Cape Horn.

(Dates below are approximate) Write us for exact dates.

March 1 and 2, Drake Passage:

The crossing of Drake Passage is approximately 450NM. The seas around Cape Horn have the reputation of being stormy. The wind varies from southwest to northwest. This sailing voyage is no luxury sailing cruise. The entire voyage crew will participate in the sea watches to sail the ship together with the permanent crew. “Teamwork” has to be the master key of this beautiful, traditional sailing vessel. No winches or other labour-saving appartus, just an infinity of lines, on first sight completely indistinguishable and incomprehensible, with hundreds of blocks looking like spiders in their webs. The novice sea dog will be introduced to these matters every day and after a few weeks all those lines, blocks, stays and booms with their impossible names and functions become second nature.

Cape petrels, white-chinned petrels and albatrosses are our companions. The albatrosses are the best equipped for a permanent stay at sea. Their territory is the open ocean. They love windy regions because they are unable to fly with little wind.

March 3, icebergs in sight:

After a few days everybody will be accustomed to the ocean with her never-ending motion. After passing the Antarctic Convergention Zone, the likelihood of seeing icebergs increases. We keep a good lookout so that we keep away from them. It is amazing when we see the brilliant white shapes of the floating icebergs on the horizon. They must be really huge, and very high! This is the first sign that we are really approaching the great white mass of Antarctica!

March 4, ashore on Hannah Point:

When the weather is clear Anvers Island, 100 miles away, and Mount Francais, with her 3,000-metre high peaks, will already have been in sight for a day. This afternoon a visit to the South Shetland Islands is scheduled. Hannah Point is a peninsula on the southeast coast of Livingston Island The animal life is overwhelming here. These islands are not completely covered by the ice cap. In the colourful patches of moss giant petrels and Antarctic skuas make their nests. On previous voyages we sometimes saw a solitary macaroni penguin on Hannah Point, lost and all alone in a rookery of chinstrap and gentoo penguins. Usually no macaronis live on Antarctica.

March 5, cruise in between Spert and Trinity Island:

Tonight we sail into sheltered waters to our next destination. When the echo sounder measures not more then 30 metres we drop anchor and make cruises in between Spert Island and Trinity Island, in a beautiful ice scenery of small and large icebergs. Our trip in the dinghies takes us through a landscape of ice that is truly out of this world. The colours and shapes are stunning: overhangs with crystal clear icicles, ice palaces that could have been created by Gaudí, massive gateways and open-air ballrooms. On some spots a blue light shines through the ice, water looks turquoise. It is an impressive world created by extreme changes of temperature, sculpted by water and wind.

March 6, British base Port Lockroy:

In the afternoon we anchor near Goudier Island. There has been a station here since 1944, and the area was named a monument in the Antarctic Treaty of 1995. It is the oldest existing British station in Antarctica. During the Antarctic summers two people take care of this base. Nowadays there is a small post office inside. This is the most southerly post office in the world. Sometimes it can take a few months before a letter will be received in Europe.

From here we can also go ashore at Jougla Point. In between rocks we can watch how the blue-eyed shags feed their chicks. Ashore we see many gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Sea leopards are frequently waiting here for penguins that want to go for a bathe. It is easy for these speedy animals to catch one. Afterwards they lie around on the ice, digesting their last penguin feast.

March 7, glaciers in Paradise Harbour:

From Port Lockroy we head to the Neumayer Channel to Paradise Harbour. Here, impressive huge glaciers with many shades of blue and white surround us. High cliffs of ice rise out of the sea. We hear the ice crack; in several places we see huge chunks of ice breaking off. Sometimes a wall of ice tens of metres high slowly tumbles down. When this huge mass hits the sea a flood wave rolls under our ship. Sitting in the middle of this awe-inspiring natural wilderness is indescribable! In Paradise Bay we can visit the solid rock of the Antarctic continent and possibly the Argentinean base “Almirante Brown”.

March 8, whale watching:

Today we are sailing the whole day. Underway there is a lot to see. On our last voyages we were regularly visited by huge schools of orcas. Several large females with young came unbelievably close to the ship. The shape of the fin distinguishes males and females. The experts say that curiosity belongs to their character and that is what they have proved to us. The chance to see whales is bigger at the end of the summer season. Last year, one of our guides took a photo of a humpback whale jumping right out of the water. That became a beautiful picture for home.

March 9, bathing in volcano crater from Deception Island:

When there is not too much swell, we anchor at Baily Head and land with dinghies on the black volcanic beach. Here we can find the biggest chinstrap penguin colony. More than 100,000 pairs nest on the volcanic ash field. Everyone who is fit enough can walk to the middle of the island and enjoy the impressive views.

At the end of the morning EUROPA will sail through a small opening into the crater and will drop anchor in Whalers Bay, near the ruins of a whaling station, which had latterly been used as a base for research work. In the evening we can go to Pendulum Cove where thermal currents rise. Those who so wish may bathe in geothermally-warmed waters. Volcanic activity still goes on in this area; in 1969/70 several stations were destroyed.

March 10, anchoring near Aicho Islands:

This afternoon the dinghies bring us ashore. We share the beach with gentoo and chinstrap penguins. They walk with us up to the other side of the mountain where we find the sea elephants. Sea elephants roar when they are fighting and they use the echo of the steep rocks to make their roaring sound even more impressive. Depending on the circumstances the captain may decide to anchor near Yankee Harbour of Half Moon Island instead of the Aicho Islands.

March 11, further north:

Today we stay on board and sail 200 miles north to Elephant Island. Everywhere around the coasts whales are searching for krill. The sight of whales feeding on krill is truly spectacular. On previous expeditions here we sighted the world’s largest animal, the blue whale, which can reach more than 30m in length.

March 12, Elephant Island:

In 1921 Captain George Powell gave this island its name because of the many elephant seals he found. Many of us have heard the incredible story of Shackleton, who in 1916 was searching for help for his crew of the ‘Endurance’. While waiting for help, stranded on Elephant Island, the crew survived by eating the meat of penguins and seals. Their expedition ship Endurance was crushed by the Antarctic pack ice and sank in the Weddell Sea. After a rough journey in small lifeboats, Shackleton and his men landed on Elephant Island on a narrow beach beneath the steep cliffs. From here Shackleton left for South Georgia with just a handful of men in one of the lifeboats, The ‘James Caird’, to cross some of the stormiest waters in the world. After 16 days and 800NM he landed on the south coast of South Georgia. He made several attempts to return to Elephant Island, but he only succeeded in landing there 105 days later. He rescued his entire crew. Years later, during an Antarctic expedition, Shackleton died of a heart attack and, at the request of his widow, was buried in Grytviken on South Georgia, in the environment where he had spent the greater part of his life.

When the weather circumstances are good we go ashore with the dinghies on Cape Lookout’s rocky beach.

March 13 till March 18, From Elephant Island to South Georgia:

The sight of land will disappear again. It will soon become only a line on the chart. The second ocean crossing has begun and we are back in the watch system. We have time to absorb everything we have seen on Antarctica, to let it all settle in. The distance to South Georgia is 800 nautical miles. The strong westerly winds guarantee a fast crossing. If all goes well, we will need five or six days. Every day at sea is different. We will learn to see the difference between the black-browed albatrosses and light-mantled sooty albatrosses. Nature decides the daily work on board. It forces us to adjust the self-image of the human being and that can work out very refreshing. Then on the horizon the ice-covered mountains of this Sub-Antarctic Island will be visible and we arrive in the sheltered bays of the northeast coast. South Georgia offers many landing places.

March 19, arrival on South Georgia:

We will have a week to explore the rough landscape of the island. Our first landing place on the program is Elsehul. Among the steep cliffs we hope to spot the entrance of the Inner Bay, where we will anchor. On a peninsula in the bay, in between tussock grass, grey-headed albatrosses nestle. We are able to land with the small boats on a beach where friendly-looking sea elephants and unfriendly, growling fur seals welcome us. We have to keep them at a safe distance as they might be aggressive. On land we find a hut abandoned by the British Antarctic Survey, which is now occupied by a rookery of Gentoo penguins.

March 20, Bay of Isles:

In the Bay of Isles tens of thousands of King penguins live here today. We hope that we are able to land on Albatross or Prion Island. Both islands are important breeding grounds for the wandering albatross. Albatrosses lay their eggs in the middle of the summer; their chicks stay till December, the following spring, on their nests. These birds need an open area of 30 square metres around the nest for taking off and landing.

March 21 mooring by Grytviken:

We moor at the jetty in Cumberland East Bay, near the deserted Norwegian Stromness whaling station. This whaling station is of historical value. In 1911 parts of the station were cleared and a small whaling museum was opened, where relics and memorabilia from the Antarctic whaling industry are preserved.

We will also try to visit one or more of the several wrecks that lay here, remains of the sailing era. One of the most beautiful wrecks we find is in Ocean Harbour, a fully-rigged ship and one of the first ships built in steel. The ‘Bayard’ was built in 1864 in Liverpool and in this ship we will clearly see the conversion from wood to steel-built ships. In that time many people didn’t believe in modern steel. Other wrecks in South Georgia are the ‘Brutus’ (1883) in Prince Olav Harbour and the wooden ‘Loise’ in Grytviken. In Grytviken we also find some whalers, but these ships are from a much more recent date.

March 22 , Grytviken:

EUROPA will rest in the harbour for a day. There is a lot for us to see here. In Grytviken the grave of the polar explorer Shackleton is peacefully guarded by a colony of sea elephants. When we walk around, we meet many seabirds, penguins, fur seals and elephant seals.

March 23, St. Andrews Bay:

This bay is at the top of our list of landings because of the enormous rookery of King penguins, 39.000 pairs, the largest colony on South Georgia. King penguins use less than one square metre, it is packed. Here we also find storm petrels that quietly carry on breeding as long as we keep at a proper, respectful distance. Beautiful torpedo-sculptured black-browed albatrosses have their nests on the cliffs. The most southern land bird is the South Georgia Pipit. South Georgia is the only place in the world where we can watch this bird.

March 24, Cooper Bay:

In this bay at the south eastern point of South Georgia we are going to try to get close to rookeries of Macaroni penguins. They nest at the bottom of steep cliffs and can be watched and photographed quite easily. We will probably come across various small colonies of Chinstrap penguins, one of the few colonies of its kind on South Georgia.

March 25 till April 3, return to the ocean:

It is time to leave this sub-Antarctic paradise. We have more than 1400NM ahead of us to Tristan da Cunha, so we have scheduled ten days for this passage. The watches start again. The different experiences, the sea, the weather and life on board a Tall Ship make you get to know the people on board very well. Your normal life ashore seems far away behind the horizon. Together you will form “the crew” of this deep water sailor, on which every voyage will be different and carry its own atmosphere.

On the Southern Ocean the winds blow blowing constantly. The seas have the reputation of being stormy; seamen speak about the Roaring Forties and the Furious Fifties. The wind varies from South-westerly to North-westerly; a good direction for a crossing under sail in a square-rigger. When the barometer drops, a depression is approaching and we will have to reduce sail. The crew is alert and stand by for steering, reefing, furling, setting and taking in the sails. Tired, and maybe even cold after an active watch on deck, you will sleep like a log. Not a single sound of wind, water, sails, ropes or iron can keep you awake.

Albatrosses love these windy regions because they are unable to fly with little wind. The smallest variety has a wingspread of two metres; the largest can reach almost four metres. Usually they follow the wind directions all year round. In the Southern hemisphere they quite often make a trip around the world in 80 days.

April 4, Tristan da Cunha comes into sight:

Situated in the South Atlantic the central volcanic peak rises to a height of 2010 metres out of the ocean, and almost wears a cap of white snow. We will anchor a few days near the settlement of Edinburgh. The other islands, Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island, Middle Island, Stoltenhoff Island and Gough from the Tristan group are not inhabited by human beings.

April 5, anchoring near Tristan da Cunha:

The local people will bring us ashore with a dinghy, at least when the swell is not too big. Tristan can only be reached by ship, and the island usually gets new provisions about six times a year. There is no airport. In the village there is a small museum, a craft shop, a post office and a supermarket. The 300 islanders earn a living from growing potatoes, rearing sheep, the sale of stamps and crayfish fishery. Crayfish shipped from here is considered a delicacy in South Africa, the US and Japan.

April 6, dinghy tour to Nightingale Island:

During our last visit we were invited by the local people to make a tour to Nightingale Island. At that time, we did not have enough time to accept the invitation, but now we have scheduled a day longer. Let’s hope that the wind is favourable. Nightingale harbours millions of greater shearwaters, side by side with thousands of rock hopper penguins, yellow-nosed albatrosses, sooty albatrosses and over a dozen other seabird species, two endemic finches and a thrush.

Sailing from Tristan da Cunha:

After saying goodbye to the local people we hoist the sails for our last crossing of this voyage. Sea life starts again.

The last part of the expedition to Cape Town is 1510NM of sailing. The predominant winds are still westerly. Everyone is adjusted to the ship now and experiences the sea in his own way. The ocean for the bird watcher is different for the biologist, the clerk, or the sailor. It depends how you look. The sea is a sea of exciting adventures, a sea that you handle carefully and with respect. We come close to the Cape of Good Hope and now we will sometimes see other ships on the horizon.

We will berth in the harbour of Cape Town. Seals are playing and sunbathing on the piers.

April 21, Disembarkation Cape Town:

It is time to say goodbye to each other and to the ship. We sign off a 10 am. Your homeward journey has started and EUROPA will begin a new chapter, going to the shipyard for maintenance.

After a long ocean voyage many memories remain. Memories of a cold but favourable wind, long-distance birds on deck, schools of dolphins, petrels spending the night on deck, skuas waiting for something to eat, a humpback waving farewell with his tail, a growing moon; but more than anything, memories of a group of people sailing together across this deep water to another continent.

All the impressions have been an unforgettable experience for everybody. Some of you will be addicted to the Polar thrill. Some will miss the sea.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Medical care:

When undertaking a long ocean voyage, where you are regularly several days of sailing away from the habited world, it is important to realise that extensive medical care is not available. Transport to the mainland is often impossible. On board there are crewmembers with a medical training. However, on these long voyages there is also always a doctor on board. There is an emergency hospital with a number of medicines and wound dressings. If you have a disorder or sickness for which you use medicines we expect you to bring these on board yourself. If you are susceptible to certain things like cold sores or cystitis, please bring your own medicines with you. Because on board a ship we live close to each other, colds or influenza are easily passed on to others. We advise you to take an anti-influenza injection before departure. It would be a shame to lie in your bunk for a few days during such a unique voyage. If you have questions about a specific health problem, we advise you to get in touch with the office of the shipping company. They can put you in contact with one of the ship’s doctors.

Seasickness:

A sailing ship is much steadier in the water under sail in strong winds than a motor vessel. Most will get used to the motion of the ship after a few days. Healthy eating, sleep and coming on board fresh and relaxed are the best ways to prevent seasickness. If you fear that you might be susceptible to seasickness, you can take anti-seasickness pills. Please buy these before you leave home. We advise you not to use the special plasters stuck stick behind the ears because of the possible side affects.

During the Ocean crossings there can be big waves. Once in Antarctic and South Georgian waters we sail in quiet waters, nobody will be seasick anymore.

Insurance:

The ship’s insurance covers all crew and guests on board. We recommend you to take out additional travel and cancellation insurance.

What to take:

Your bunk has a duvet and sheets so you do not need to bring a sleeping bag. A small rucksack or shoulder bag is handy for walks ashore. Suitcases take up a lot of space in your cabin so we recommend you to use soft luggage bags.

- Medical insurance certificates and, of course, a valid passport. For almost all countries, a visa is not required. Please check with your own embassy.

- Toiletries and personal medicines.

- For using on deck, we recommend soft soled shoes. It is important that your shoes are watertight. When you go ashore with the dinghy you might sometimes be ankle-deep in water. Strong rubber boots with warm socks are recommended. They are also practical when walking near penguin colonies where the ground may be boggy.

- Binoculars for watching whales and birds.

- Sunglasses and sun cream; the sun is strong and the ozone layer is very thin in this region.

- Warm waterproof and windproof clothing; thermal underwear, including long johns; waterproof sailing gear; more then one pair of warm and also waterproof gloves. Several thin layers of clothing give better protection against the cold than one thick layer. Ashore, lightweight waterproofs are handy. There is a washing machine on board, but we can only use it if there is not too much swell. That means that you can the crew might occasionally be able to wash a small amount of clothing for you.

- Camera and/or video camera with spare batteries. Remember that the batteries might go flat very quickly in the low temperatures. Bring enough films with you as we can’t buy them under way.

Money:

Cash for personal expenditure ashore and drinks in the bar on board should not amount to much. At the end of the voyage you can pay your for your drinks on board in cash with Euros or USDollars.

The voyage fee does not include: travel to and from the ship, travel insurance, cancellation insurance, airport formalities and drinks from the bar on board.

VICTORY ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS LTD.