Cape Horn in view
Our expedition to the Antarctic continent is drawing to a close. We can reflect back on these days and consider what goes into the making of a successful expedition. Good leadership is first and foremost. Our Captain, who is also an Ice Master, is most competent, ensuring our safe voyage to the edge of the ice and back home again. Our expedition leader and his staff have many years experience in this part of the world. Good provisioning is crucial when contemplating an expedition to cold climes. We’ve been well fed by an exceptional crew in the galley and the attentive dining room staff. No need to resort to seal blubber or penguin stew.
Good equipment is also essential. The Endeavour was built for working in the ice and is sea-kindly in southern waters. Our fleet of Zodiacs provides the key to getting ashore in remote, otherwise inaccessible locations. We made a difficult surf landing at Baily Head, requiring a stern-first approach and the help of crew members ashore. We found a small section of ice-free beach to set foot on the continent at Brown Bluff and Neko Harbour. We used the Zodiacs as part of our kayak excursions, allowing a quiet and personal experience from a new perspective. Most enjoyable is to take a slow cruise in the Zodiacs, getting close up to giant ice bergs, maneuvering through brash ice to photograph seals or penguins, or just sitting quietly to contemplate the grand and magnificent surroundings. Without these sturdy little inflatable boats and dependable engines, our expedition would be nothing more than a cruise with views from the deck of our mother ship.
Shackelton relied on Frank Wild and Tom Crean, trusted friends and dependable officers, with considerable experience in Antarctica. On board the Endeavour we have the Bo’ sun or deck captain, Villarvel Bunguin, who keeps our fleet of landing craft in top shape. He directs the deployment of the boats and all their maintenance. Villy is a welder, carpenter, mechanic and more. He can usually be found on the aft deck or assisting with the anchoring operation. He doesn’t appear to own gloves, rarely wears a hat but always has a smile. Typically aboard for eight months of the year, he returns home to the Philippines during his time off. This will be Villy’s nineteenth consecutive season, amounting to about 200 voyages to the Great White South. Cheers to you Villy, it’s been great having you for a shipmate.
Our expedition to the Antarctic continent is drawing to a close. We can reflect back on these days and consider what goes into the making of a successful expedition. Good leadership is first and foremost. Our Captain, who is also an Ice Master, is most competent, ensuring our safe voyage to the edge of the ice and back home again. Our expedition leader and his staff have many years experience in this part of the world. Good provisioning is crucial when contemplating an expedition to cold climes. We’ve been well fed by an exceptional crew in the galley and the attentive dining room staff. No need to resort to seal blubber or penguin stew.
Good equipment is also essential. The Endeavour was built for working in the ice and is sea-kindly in southern waters. Our fleet of Zodiacs provides the key to getting ashore in remote, otherwise inaccessible locations. We made a difficult surf landing at Baily Head, requiring a stern-first approach and the help of crew members ashore. We found a small section of ice-free beach to set foot on the continent at Brown Bluff and Neko Harbour. We used the Zodiacs as part of our kayak excursions, allowing a quiet and personal experience from a new perspective. Most enjoyable is to take a slow cruise in the Zodiacs, getting close up to giant ice bergs, maneuvering through brash ice to photograph seals or penguins, or just sitting quietly to contemplate the grand and magnificent surroundings. Without these sturdy little inflatable boats and dependable engines, our expedition would be nothing more than a cruise with views from the deck of our mother ship.
Shackelton relied on Frank Wild and Tom Crean, trusted friends and dependable officers, with considerable experience in Antarctica. On board the Endeavour we have the Bo’ sun or deck captain, Villarvel Bunguin, who keeps our fleet of landing craft in top shape. He directs the deployment of the boats and all their maintenance. Villy is a welder, carpenter, mechanic and more. He can usually be found on the aft deck or assisting with the anchoring operation. He doesn’t appear to own gloves, rarely wears a hat but always has a smile. Typically aboard for eight months of the year, he returns home to the Philippines during his time off. This will be Villy’s nineteenth consecutive season, amounting to about 200 voyages to the Great White South. Cheers to you Villy, it’s been great having you for a shipmate.
