Spirit of Sydney

The Spirit of Sydney is available NOW for shorter trips round Cape Horn and / or the Beagle channels. Come and round the famous horn and qualify as a 'Cape Hornier'. We can land on the island (weather and conditions permitting) and visit the lighthouse. Visit the calving glaciers of the Beagle channel. Our equipment allows us to travel right up some the most spectacular fiords and get up close to the glacier snouts. See whales, orcas, seals, sea birds beyond count. Trips usually need from five days minimum, longer trips available. Based in Puerta Williams, S. Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina.

The Yacht
Spirit of Sydney was designed by Ben Lexcen (controversial designer of America’s Cup winner “Australia 2”) and launched by Bob Hawke (then Prime Minister of Australia) for Ian Kiernan to sail solo around the world in the B.O.C. Challenge Race of 1986.

Spirit is an ocean greyhound and her long clean lines and flared bow sections are for surfing the big rollers of the southern ocean, while her strong aluminium construction and watertight bulkheads have given her a useful second life as an Antarctic Expedition yacht. In the summer of 1994/95 Don and Margie McIntyre sailed her to Commonwealth Bay in Antarctica to install the "Gadget Hut" where they wintered over for a year. Since then she has made 12 Antarctic voyages and one Sub-Antarctic voyage. She has sailed in the Southern Ocean every summer since 1994.

In 2002 Spirit had a major refit that included a new engine, new mainsail, covering of the cockpit with a plexiglass dodger and other work. This winter she is currently in Buenos-Aires gaining a new saloon and navigation area. Her recently installed central heating system, hot water system and water maker have added greatly appreciated comforts. Thanks to Spectra Watermakers for their custom specified antarctic waters unit. Spirit of Sydney is also equipped with excellent weather systems including Xaxero’s Sky-Eye System for real time satellite image downloads and Iridium phone access to Global Marine Network Information and regular email facilities.

Spirit is an ocean greyhound (21m long, 8 berth cruising racer yacht) and her long clean lines and flared bow sections are for surfing the big rollers of the southern ocean, while her strong aluminium construction and watertight bulkheads have made her an ideal Antarctic Expedition yacht. She has made 13 Antarctic voyages and one Sub-Antarctic voyage. She has sailed in the Southern Ocean every summer since 1994.

Expedition Rates Contact Us

Not Included in Expedition Rates
Passport and visa expenses; government arrival and departure taxes; meals ashore.
Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and telecommunication charges.

Pro-Dive Antarctic Peninsula 24 days, dry suit diving and exploring. Other charters available on request.