‘No, no, no. You buy the beers. I do the talking’
Propping up the bar in his usual spot the Antarctica Bore had captured an unsuspecting audience. The man had just tried to get a word of his own in, perhaps a sailing anecdote, but that was never going to happen.
‘…fifty knots on the beam……dragging anchors…..growler packed seas…..leopard seals and blizzards…..’ the bellowing monologue was heard by all. The poor chap, having bought the Bore a beer, drank his in a flash and fled.
Twenty eight days on a 67’ sailing yacht on a journey to ski in Antarctica is a powerful experience that leaves its mark, as it obviously did on the fictitious Antarctica Bore that we had lots of laughs about! Throughout this long time afloat the nine group members ensured the vibe was a good one and that the trip was as successful and fun as it could be.
The crossing to Antarctica took four days with sensible winds and resulted in one of the group describing it as much the same as crossing the Channel, just a bit longer. The return took six days and had a lot more bite to it, satifying those hoping for a true Southern Ocean sailing experience.
Unlike on previous trips we were forbidden to camp. No overnighting was allowed due to the presence of HPAI avain flu in the Southern Ocean. The wildlife on South Georgia was suffering terribly and the fear was that the flu would be carried to Antarctica. However, at least we were allowed to land and to ski pretty much where we pleased as has always been the case.
As you can see from the photos, the weather was good, the snow quantity and quality excellent and the wildlife fabulous’. All in all an unforgettable experience.
Did I ever tell you that I’d been to Antarctica…..?