Antarctic Peninsula M/V Plancius

Antarctic Peninsula
3rd February – 13th February 2015
On board the
M/V Plancius
MV Plancius was named after the Dutch astronomer, cartographer, geologist and vicar Petrus Plancius (15521622). Plancius was built in 1976 as an oceanographic research vessel for the Royal Dutch Navy and was named
Hr. Ms. Tydeman. The ship sailed for the Royal Dutch Navy until June 2004 when she was purchased by
Oceanwide Expeditions and completely refit in 2007, being converted into a 114-passenger expedition vessel.
Plancius is 89 m (267 feet) long, 14.5 m (43 feet) wide and has a maximum draft of 5 m, with an Ice Strength
rating of 1D, top speed of 12+ knots and three diesel engines generating 1230 hp each.
Captain Evgeny Levakov
and his international crew
of 45
including
Hotel Manager:
Andre van der Haak
Chief Steward:
Beverley Howlett
[Britain]
Head Chef:
Heinz Hacker
[Austria]
Sous Chef:
Sean Steele
[Canada]
Isabelle Murat
[France]
Ship’s Physician:
[Netherlands]
and
Expedition Leader:
Asst Expedition Leader:
Sebastian Arrebola
Gérard Bodineau
[Argentina]
[France]
Expedition Guide:
Christian Genillard
Expedition Guide:
Celine Clement
[France]
Expedition Guide:
David McFarlane
[Canada]
Expedition Guide:
Christian Engelke
[Germany]
Expedition Guide:
Andrew Bishop
[Australia]
[Switzerland]
Welcome you on board!
Day 1 – Tuesday 3rd February 2015
Embarkation – Ushuaia, Argentina
GPS 08.00 Position: 54°48’S / 068°18’W
Ushuaia marks the end of the road in Argentine
Tierra del Fuego. During the summer this sleepy
yet rapidly growing town bustles with
adventurous travellers and eco-tourism.
Ushuaia also boasts a sizeable crab fishing and
small electronics industry. Ushuaia, (lit. “bay
that penetrates to the west” in the indigenous
Yaghan tongue) clearly benefits from its
magnificent, yet remote setting. The rugged
spine of the South American Andes ends here,
but for many of us it signifies the beginning of a
once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
A bit before 1600 the first of us arrived on the pier and waited for the all-clear to embark Plancius, our
home for the next eleven days. After meeting with Hotel Manager Andre and his assistant Beverley at
reception for check in we were shown to our cabins with the assistance of the Filipino and Russian crew.
Once we were all on board and had settled in to our cabins we convened in the lounge on Deck five to
meet Expedition Leader Sebastian Arrebola, who welcomed us on board the ship.
Chief Officer Nikolay then led us through the details of the required SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) and
Lifeboat Drill, assisted by Gérard for translation. Andre then introduced us to the ship and talked us
through where the important things such as the dining room and reception are located.
We lined the decks as Plancius quietly pulled away from the pier. Our journey had commenced!
Not long after departing Ushuaia we conducted our lifeboat drill. On hearing the muster alarm we
collected our warm clothes and huge orange life jackets from our cabins and made our way to the lounge.
After successfully completing a roll call the abandon ship alarm was given and we gathered on the back
deck to look at the lifeboats and listen as our Deck Officers gave a short talk.
We were free to wander the decks and get familiar with the ship for a short while and right before it was
time to gather in the lounge again a very unexpected and rare treat was spotted, a pod of Southern Right
Whale dolphins! These sleek black and white
creatures with no dorsal fin were a long way outside
their usual range of the Southern Atlantic but we
did not mind as we watched them riding the ships
wake for a good twenty minutes. Eventually they
departed and we gathered in the lounge to be
introduced to the staff and the Captain, toasting to
the success of our voyage with a glass of Prosecco.
The call to dinner was made and after the first of
many tasty meals we settled into our cabins for the
night, eager to get some sleep and to see what
tomorrow would bring.
Day 2 – Wednesday 4th February 2015
At Sea to Antarctica
GPS 08.00 Position: 56°37.3’S / 065°37.6’W
Wind: N 4 Sea State: Moderate Weather: Partly cloudy Temperature: 10°C.
Today we woke up to the beautiful scenery of
the open sea, sunshine and slight swell. There
were fantastic conditions for observing the birds
around the Plancius. Especially the different
species of albatross were taking our attention.
Their huge wingspan and elegant flying was
widely admired among the passengers.
In between the bird watching on deck, we
enjoyed an interesting lecture program, starting
with Gerard. He was gave us an introduction to
the different bird species we were likely to be
seeing on our trip. This included both the flying
birds we were already enjoying, and also the
penguins we were all looking forward to seeing.
Meanwhile, the weather became even warmer
(up to +8°C) and one could see many people sunbathing on the outer decks. What a calm and lucky start of
the often feared Drake Passage.
Later in the afternoon, Sebastian gave us a general introduction to Antarctica, where he was both talking
about its geography and about political and historical facts of this driest, coldest and highest of all
continents.
With his explanation why “Antarctica rocks”, Andrew rounded up the lecture program of the day. As the
geologist he is, this was easy to explain for him; and he tried to convince all of us, that the stones, faults,
volcanoes and mountain chains of Antarctica are
amazing.
At the daily recap we got told both the plans for
the next day by our expedition leader Sebastian,
and we got also some more side-information.
Christian was mentioning some anecdotes from
the days where different countries were
claiming parts of Antarctica – stories that are
partly quite funny, seen in retrospective from
today.
Day 3 – Thursday 5th February 2015
At Sea to Antarctica
GPS 08.00 Position: 61°01.7’S 03°27.2’W
Wind: NW 4 Sea State: Moderate Weather: Overcast Temperature: 4°C
Where yesterday we awoke to clear skies and
the sun shining, today we are met with fog,
wind and cold. The 6°C drop in temperature
overnight can be attributed to the Plancius
crossing the Antarctic Convergence; the
biological boundary of the Antarctic where the
warmer waters of the South Pacific and the
South Atlantic meet the frigid waters of the
Southern Ocean. Our vessel also crossed 60°
south overnight, which is the geopolitical
boundary of Antarctica as defined by the
Antarctic Treaty. It is surely safe to say that we
have made it to the Antarctic!
Our plan for the day is simple – full steam south until we arrive at the continent! Another day at sea means
more presentations from the Expedition Team, only today there is a mandatory briefing to attend before
we are allowed to disembark the ship for landings tomorrow. In the morning, Sebastian briefs us on the
IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) guidelines when visiting the region, as well
as some do’s and don’ts on land and how to safely use the zodiacs. After the briefing we receive the lovely
rubber boots that we’ll use for the voyage, followed by a delicious lunch and a vacuum party: a biosecurity
measure to try and remove any invasive species from our clothing and equipment that we will bring to
land.
After Andrew’s equally mandatory briefing in the afternoon for the courageous campers in our group, we
finally get the option of whether or not to attend a presentation – this one being Christian’s early evening
lecture on the famous Belgica Expedition of 1897. Those who attended were glad they did, as they would
hear of the adventures of Adrien de Gerlache and his crew aboard the Belgica as they pioneered
exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and discovered many of the sites that we plan to visit. The
presentation was fantastic, however the highlight was getting interrupted from it by two enormous fin
whales – the second biggest mammal in the seas – as they intercepted our course! They curiously swam
beside our ship for a few minutes and then, as suddenly as they appeared, they were gone. What luck!
We hear from Seba before dinner about our plans for the following day, and after another appetizing meal
we look anxiously out of the ship’s windows and portholes for our first glimpses through the fog of
Antarctica and the South Shetland Islands. The charts tell us they are close, but alas we cannot distinguish
them through the mist. It is late and we are weary, so we go to bed keen to hopefully see land in the
morning!
Day 4 – Friday 6th February 2015
Portal Point - Danco Island
GPS 08.00 Position: 64°30.07’S 061°44.66’W
Wind: ENE 3 Sea State: Calm Weather: Overcast Temperature: 4°C
Quite a few of us were awake before Sebastian’s
call to marvel at the surrounding landscape as
Plancius quietly glided towards or first landing of
the trip, Portal Point-whales. After a nice breakfast
we split into two groups, the first going ashore and
the second doing a zodiac cruise around the
icebergs and shoreline. Andrew had set out a path
to the top of the snow dome behind the landing so
after a briefing from Sebastian and Marie we
relished the chance to stretch our legs on the
Continent of Antarctica. The view from the top was
magnificent with the far off snow covered mountains framed by the low clouds. The wind arrived just
before it was time for the groups to swap, making conditions for the zodiac cruise a bit more bumpy and
wet. We didn’t mind though as towards the end of the cruise two Humpback whales were spotted slowly
swimming past the icebergs. A lucky few got a good look at them before they continued on their way.
Eventually it was time to return to Plancius and make our way further south to the afternoons landing at
Danco Island in the Ererra Channel.
After a few hours sailing the anchor was dropped and
we made our way to shore. Thanks to the northerly
winds bringing moisture to the Peninsula it was a very
damp landing but still not enough to dampen our
spirits. Quite a lot of us followed Gérard to the top of
the island for a cloud shrouded view of the
surrounding mountains, a truly spectacular panorama.
The rest of us took the chance to stroll along the
beach and wander amongst the blocks of sculptured
ice, Gentoo penguins and Skuas as the rain continued
to gently fall.
As a special treat several whales were spotted near
Plancius so on our return to the ship we were able to spend some time observing them from the zodiacs.
What a magical way to end the landing and our first day on the Peninsula.
At recap Sebastian outlined our plans for tomorrow and due to the rain continuing to fall it was decided to
postpone camping for the night. This decision was met with a round of applause.
Dinner was shortly announced and following this it was time to retire to the bar to discuss the days events
or turn in for the evening.
- The sea kayakers were so lucky to being very close to a couple of
humpback whales, this afternoon. The whales seemed to be curious
indeed, as they were approaching the kayaks on a distance that
made us feel very small.
Day 5 – Saturday 7th February 2015
Neko Harbour - Paradise Harbour – Camping Leith Cove
GPS 08.00 Position: 64°50.3’S 062°33.4’W
Wind: Light air Sea State: Calm Weather: Overcast Temperature: 2°C
This mornings’ landing was at the beautiful Neko Harbour,
where a big Gentoo penguin colony spreads out along
some ice free hills among a magnificent glacial scenery. It
was amazing to watch the birds’ behaviour in detail,
including the feeding of their chicks and their busy
walking on the penguin highways to and from the colony.
We also enjoyed walking up a great view point above the
colony at the edge of the glacier. In addition there were
some humpback whales passing by at the shoreline. The
kayakers among us were enjoying the distant blows of
those whales as they were making their way through the
brash ice. They were watching a leopard seal, hauled out on an ice flow, before they went for a little trip
onshore, as well.
In the afternoon we went on towards Paradise Bay,
where we both landed at the abandoned Argentinean
station Almirante Brown, and also went for a little Zodiac
cruise in this icy paradise. Some of us were so lucky to
see humpback whales really close to their Zodiacs, and
we all went to a huge glacier where we could witness
some smaller and larger calving events. At land, we were
able to stretch our legs on the way to a super viewpoint
and we also met the Argentineans taking care of the
renovation of the station. The kayakers mostly enjoyed
their quiet time at the glacier, with just the sound of the
ice moving around them and breaking off the glacier.
The BBQ on the outer aft deck in the evening, rounded up a splendid day for most of us, while some 26
people went once more ashore - for a camping-night under the Antarctic skies. They were awarded with
humpback whales around their little island «Leith Cove» and also witnessed a huge calving event filling the
whole fjord with brash ice, bergy bits and icebergs.
Day 6 – Sunday 8th February 2015
Lemaire Channel – Port Charcot - Vernadsky Station
GPS 08.00 Position: 64°58.5’S 063°45.0’W
Wind: SE 2 Sea State: Calm Weather: Cloudy Temperature: 3°C
Another overcast morning, but again we are fortunate
in that the conditions allow for us to embark on our
day’s plans as the wind is fair and the seas are calm.
The activity on the ship starts early as by 0445 there
are Zodiacs on the water to pick up Andrew, David and
the 26 courageous campers that spent the night on the
ice at Leith Cove. A general look of exhaustion prevails
the faces of those returning to the ship, but everyone
is in good spirits and eager to reminisce about their
having braved the Antarctic night as they were
surrounded by feeding humpbacks and calving glaciers.
A remarkable experience no doubt, but those that
slept in the warmth of their cabins and comfort of their beds did not seem too fussed at having missed out!
After retrieving the campers the Plancius steams south for the Lemaire Channel – a narrow body of water
between the Antarctic Peninsula and Booth Island that has the rightful reputation of being one of the most
beautiful places in the Antarctic, if not the world. We are met by half a dozen Minke whales at the north
end of the channel, and as we navigate south the channel narrows to less than 600 metres as the
protruding mountains on either side seem to close in on the ship.
By mid-morning we arrived at Port Charcot, our first destination for the day and the site where JeanBaptiste Charcot overwintered with his crew aboard the Francais on his first expedition in 1904. Those who
went ashore enjoyed a beautiful hike to a high point with vast views of the Wilhelm Archipelago, as well as
the opportunity to see three types of bush tail penguins (Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie) in the same
location. The sea kayakers got a different perspective from the water, as they navigated around large
grounded icebergs and had four interested Minke whales join them for some of their paddle.
The afternoon saw us navigate to the furthest point south of our expedition – Vernadsky Station on the
Argentine Islands. The station, once a British Antarctic Survey base called Faraday Station, was bought by
the Ukraine in 1996 and renamed Vernadsky Station. We were met on the jetty by the station’s scientists
and were given a tour of the facilities, including the beautiful
British-style bar! It was interesting to get the chance to see a
working scientific station in the Antarctic, and fascinating to
imagine the scientists spending the year and overwintering
together in the small confines of the base. As the base is not
very big, our group split up and while some went directly to
the station, others went to an old British base nearby called
Wordie House before the groups swapped locations. Wordie
House was the first British base on the Peninsula, and it has
recently been beautifully restored to its historical condition by
the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. Some heavy snow started to
come down near the end of the excursion, and as everyone
made their way back on the ship the fatigue was noticeable.
After dinner there was relative silence as we all looked to
recharge our batteries for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 7 – Monday 9th February 2015
Petermann Island – Lemaire Channel - Port Lockroy
GPS 08.00 Position: 65°11.06’S 064°08.2’W
Wind: WNW 3 Sea State: Calm Weather: Overcast Temperature: 3°C
After a relaxing night at anchor Sebastians sultry
latino tones gently roused us from our slumber and
into a new day. After a quick breakfast we were
shuttled ashore at Petermann Island, the historic
site of Charcots second expedition to the
peninsula. Although the morning was overcast with
high clouds muting the surrounding vista the sun
occasionally shone through, adding a brief touch of
brilliance to an otherwise drab landscape. We
enjoyed the walk across the island to visit the
Adelie penguins, whose numbers are dwindling
yearly due to the changing conditions. We also took the chance to spy out some Antarctic cormorants
before wandering to the southern end of the island where Sebastian had forged a trail to a peaceful
lookout. After a good amount of time ashore we were shuttled back to Plancius to get warm before once
again going out on deck to watch our second transit of the Lemaire Channel. We were heading north again
and onto our afternoon landing at Port Lockroy.
The weather hadn’t improved by the time we arrived
at this famous Station. We were divided into two
groups, the first being shuttled to Port Lockroy, and
the second to Jougla Point. While half of us were
shopping and looking around the museum the rest of
us were penguin peeping and getting photos next to a
large Minkie whale skeleton that had been
reassembled on the beach. After an hour it was time
to swap landings and after a further short while we
were returned safe and sound to the ship, minus a
small amount of money but laden with souvenirs of
our visit.
Due to a predicted change in the weather Sebastian and Captain decided to reorganise the schedule for
our final day in Antarctica, we were heading north to Deception Island and the South Shetlands to escape
the increasing winds.
The kayakers decided to do a circumnavigation of
Peterman Island this morning. They had some
challenging swells on the outside of the island, but
also enjoyed the view on many huge stranded
icebergs. This was a very exciting morning on the
sea.
As the kayakers finished their afternoon session at
Port Lockroy, a Leopard Seal got very interested in
Christians kayak and checked it out carefully. This
was an exciting highlight of a nice paddle around
the little islands with their Gentoo colonies.
Day 8 – Tuesday 10th February 2015
Whalers Bay – Hannah Point
GPS 08.00 Position: 60°48.6’S 063°34.5’W
Wind: Light air Sea State: Calm Weather: Overcast Temperature: 3°C
After an early wake-up call we started the day with
navigating the Plancius right through Neptunes
Bellows and into the caldera of Deception island.
What an impressive feeling to be sailing into a
volcano. Right after breakfast we landed at Whalers
bay, where we could witness a huge amount of
remains from the Norwegian whaling station from
1906 and from later scientific work by the UK. The
volcanic landscape here was also special indeed,
nearly monochromatic, and gave the historic
remains a special background setting. Most of us
went also for a little hike up the Neptune’s window,
the place which is supposed to be the first one from
which the Antarctic continent have ever been seen.
We did not see that far that day, but still enjoyed the
view from the steep cliffs.
Meanwhile the sea kayakers were navigating along
the steep cliffs and made their way along some
colonies of Cape Petrels and Antarctic Shag’s
towards the entrance of the caldera. To paddle in
the swell of the nearly open ocean was an incredible
last kayak trip for them.
Kayakers and hikers met for a little polar swim
towards the end of the landing. The warming effect
of the volcano was non-existent, but the still the
swim was highly appreciated by the little number of
brave hearts.
In the afternoon we landed, divided into
three groups, at Hannah Point on
Livingston Island. The dense population of
Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins made this
an incredible last outing of our voyage. The
green hill sides and the presence of huge
numbers of moulting Elephant seals were
also showing us that we had already
moved a bit northwards into s slightly
warmer climate. We moved single file
through the colony and watched the
penguin’s behavior for a last time, before
we reached Walker Bay were we got
picked up again: the Drake Passage ahead
of us!
Day 9 – Wednesday 11th February 2015
At Sea to Ushuaia
GPS 08.00 Position: 60°56.8’S 063°05.0’W
Wind: NNE 2 Sea State: Moderate Weather: Overcast Temperature: 3°C
The first day at sea since our decent to
Antarctica and, for the first time in five days, no
wake up call! Not that we really needed one; as
we left the lee of the South Shetland Islands last
night we entered into the rougher waters of the
Drake Passage and many people were awoken
throughout the night by the movements of
Plancius. The seas are not as rough as originally
anticipated and there is no wind as Plancius
makes her way north towards the Beagle
Channel.
In place of landings today we have lectures, and
we first hear from Gerard who gives us a
presentation on the Southern Ocean. Unique
among the world’s oceans the Southern Ocean has an uninterrupted current that flows around it,
contributing to the Antarctic’s distinct climate of being the coldest, driest and windiest place in the world.
Later we hear from David, who talks about the two Francophone explorers that made the biggest
contributions to the discovery and exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula: Adrien de Gerlache of Belgium
and Jean-Baptiste Charcot of France. It’s interesting to hear the meaning and the different stories behind
the names of the places that we visited on our expedition, and how these men sacrificed their finances and
risked their lives to explore the “final frontier”.
The weather remains stable throughout the afternoon and while the ship rocks from time to time we are
assured by the experienced expedition staff that the Drake Passage is indeed cooperating with us for the
time being. The weather becomes noticeably warmer as we navigate further north and away from the
colder Antarctic waters, but we still have a long way to go to get back to Ushuaia! Andrew gives us a talk on
ice before dinner, and after another tasty meal we are all full and exhausted by the constant movements of
the ship. One more day at sea tomorrow as we continue to navigate north!
Drake Passage
...........Just about the time when things looked their very worst - the
sky was like ink and water was everywhere and everyone was as wet
inside their oilskins as the skins were wet without - there came out a
most perfect and brilliant rainbow for about half a minute or less and
then suddenly and completely went out. If ever there was a moment
when such a message was a comfort it was just then: it seemed to
remove every shadow of doubt not only as to the present but as to the
final issue of the whole expedition. And from that moment matters
mended, and everything came all right.
Edward Wilson
Day 10 – Thursday 12th February 2015
At Sea to Ushuaia
GPS 08.00 Position: 56°58.3’S 066°05.8’W
Wind: WSW 5/6 Sea State: Rough Weather: Overcast Temperature: 5°C
Beverley’s sunny call to breakfast was in
stark contrast to conditions outside this
morning. The predicted wind and swell
had arrived and with it an increase in the
motion of the ship. For many of us this
meant a very disrupted sleep as we were
slid from one end of our bunks to the
other.
No trip to Antarctica feels complete
without at least a bit of rough weather on
the infamous Drake Passage, and today
we got a glimpse into why this body of
water has the reputation of being the
roughest in the world. The wind in the morning was blowing a brisk 30 knots, and progressively increased
throughout the day to over 50 knots by lunchtime. The swell gradually picks up as well, and outside the
ship’s windows you can see waves’ crests blown violently into spray as everything – including some
passengers – bounce about the Plancius. As our ship bobbles amongst the waves we really start to realise
that we are just a very small ship in a very large ocean!
For those that are not confined to their cabins Celine gives us a lecture on penguins in the morning, in both
French and then in English with the help of David. She talks of how penguins have evolved differently from
their cousins the Auks in the northern hemisphere, and also discusses some of the research she and her
team at the French Polar Institute have carried out on penguins and other sea birds in the polar latitudes.
Her presentation is fascinating and helps us better understand these peculiar flightless birds that were so
numerous on the peninsula, and we are all impressed at her ability to stay standing as the ship rocks
throughout her presentation.
The rough weather continues in the afternoon as the Plancius’ progress is slowed to less than seven knots
by the strong head wind. We are forced to change our course in order to better navigate the weather, but
we are getting nearer and nearer to the entrance of the Beagle Channel and the lee of the South American
continent. Frozen Planet, the fantastic David Attenborough narrated BBC documentary about the Polar
Regions, is on offer in the Observation Lounge after lunch. Later on in the afternoon we are called by deck
to return the beloved rubber boots that served us so well during our excursions on the peninsula.
By the time we gather in the early evening for a toast to the voyage, we have finally approaching the
Beagle Channel. The Plancius awaits at the entrance of the Beagle for the Argentinian Pilot that will board
in the early morning and navigate the vessel to Ushuaia and, sadly, the final destination of our voyage.
Day 11 – Friday 13th February 2015
Disembarkation in Ushuaia
GPS 08.00 Position: 54°48’S / 068°18’W
This morning we arrived in Ushuaia. After eleven days we were back from where we had started, and it
was sad to say good-bye to all the beautiful places we had visited, and to disembark Plancius, the ship that
had been our comfortable, cosy home for an unforgettable journey to the White Continent.
But at the same time we were richer in memories and knowledge about Antarctica and its wildlife. We had
had incredible experiences kayaking, camping and watching wildlife. We took hundreds of pictures and
made new friends. We shared unique moments, we talked and we laughed with each other. This trip will
last us a lifetime – in our memories, in our imaginations, and in our dreams.
Thank you all for such a wonderful voyage, for your company, good humour and
enthusiasm. We hope to see you again in the future, wherever that might be!
Total distance sailed on our voyage:
1757
2034
3254
Nautical miles
Statute miles
Kilometres
Furthest South Point: 65°15’S 064°08’W
On behalf of Oceanwide Expeditions, Captain Levakov, Expedition Leader Sebastian
Arrebola and all the crew and staff, it has been a pleasure travelling with you.
Sebastian Arrebola
Sebastian was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he
earned a degree in Tourism. He took a one-year mountain
guide training course, climbing in different parts of
Argentina.
In 2000, he moved to Ushuaia, Argentina, where he became a
Tourist guide in Tierra del Fuego, working as a free-lance guide
for different companies in Ushuaia. Concurrently, he worked
on several vessels visiting sea mammals and birds colonies at
the southernmost tip of South America. He sailed to many places in the world including to the
Mediterranean Sea, the Canadian Arctic, Antarctica, Argentina, Chile, and around the mystic Cape
Horn. In 2002, he moved to England for almost two years, where he took different courses on Sea
Survival, Marine Radio Operator and First Aid.
Sebastian has specialised in polar tourism and natural history. His first trip to Antarctica was on
board a 36 ft (12 m) sailing boat, during this one-month voyage he developed skills on
ice-navigation, and he familiarised himself with the Antarctic Environment, Exploration History,
and Natural History. He has led several expeditions to Antarctica on board different vessels. He
also worked as a lecturer (Geography, Ice, and Antarctic History), naturalist and Zodiac Driver. In
2008, his polar experience also extended to the Arctic, sailing in the Canadian Arctic and part of
the Northwest Passage.
He has written several articles related to Antarctica in different magazines and publication, like
The Great Southern Route, Superyacht Times, and Boat International among others. Sebastian
owns a publishing house www.sudpol.com specialised in travel books. He is also co-author of
“Antarctica, discovering the last continent”. Sebastian speaks English and Spanish.
FRANÇAIS: Sebastian est né à Buenos Aires, Argentine, où il a fait des études de tourisme. Il a fait
un an de formation de guide de haute montagne, pendant laquelle il a escaladé dans différentes
parties de l'Argentine. En 2000, il a déménagé à Ushuaia, où il est devenu guide touristique en
Terre de Feu, en travaillant pour différentes sociétés à Ushuaia. En parallèle, il a travaillé sur
plusieurs bateau qui venaient voir les mammifères marins et les colonies d'oiseaux tout au bout de
l'Amétrique. Il a navigué sur beaucoup de mers, incluant la Méditerranée, l'Arctique canadien,
l'Antarctique, l'Argentine, le Chili et autour du mythique cap Horn. En 2002, il a déménagé en
Angleterre pour deux ans, où il s'est formé à la survie en mer, la radio et les premiers secours.
Sebastian s'est spécialisé dans le tourisme polaire et les sciences de la vie. Son premier voyage en
Antarctique était à bord d'un voilier de 12 m. Durant ce voyage d'un mois, il s'est perfectionné
dans la navigation dans les glaces et s'est familiarisé avec l'environnement antarctique, l'histoire
de l'exploration et l'histoire naturelle. Il a conduit plusieurs expédition vers l'Antarctique à bord de
différents navires. Il a aussi travaillé comme conférencier (géographie, glace, histoire), naturaliste
et conducteur de Zodiac. En 2008, son expérience s'est étendue à l'Arctique, en naviguant dans
l'Arctique canadien sur une partie du passage du Nord-Ouest.
Il a écrit plusieurs articles liés à l'Antarctique dans des magazines et publications, parmi lesquels
The Great Southern Route, Superyacht Times, and Boat International.
Sebastian possède une maison d'édition www.sudpol.com spécialisée dans les livres de voyage. Il
est aussi co-auteur de Antarctica, discovering the last continent. Sebastain parle Anglais et
espagnol.
Gérard Bodineau
Born in 1960, in Western France, Gérard started to hike
and camp at any season by the age of 13. After some
years of mountaineering in the Alps, he discovered his
passion for the Arctic in 1986. He loved it so much that
he did several cross country ski expeditions by himself, in
Greenland, Nunavut and Spitsbergen. Among the most
challenging ones, a one month solo expedition in
Spitsbergen, one to the North Magnetic Pole, one to the
Geographic North Pole, and a four week yachting
expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula.
For 15 years he shared his time between working as an IT
specialist and guiding expeditions in the Arctic. He has
been on over 60 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic.
It is as Spitsbergen specialist that he joined Oceanwide Expeditions’s team in 2004.
Since, he worked as guide and Expedition Leader in Svalbard, Greenland, Antarctica and
South Georgia. He decided to do guiding as his main activity in 2009. When not travelling,
he looks after his house and backyard in Provence (Southern France) under a sunny
climate.
He is most interested in glaciology and other Earth sciences as well as ornithology.
Gérard speaks English and French.
FRANÇAIS: Né en 1960 dans l’ouest de la France, Gérard a commencé à randonner et à
camper en toutes saisons à 13 ans. Après avoir fait de la haute montagne pendant
plusieurs années dans les Alpes, il a découvert sa passion pour l’Arctique en 1986. Il a
tellement aimé cette région, qu’il y a fait plusieurs expéditions à ski nordique, en 3 ans, au
Groenland, au Nunavut et au Spitzberg . Les plus exigeantes étant une expédition solitaire
d’un mois au printemps au Spitzberg, une au pôle Nord magnétique et une au pôle Nord
géographique. Une navigation de quatre semaines à la voile en péninsule Antarctique l’a
mis en contact avec le Sud polaire.
Pendant 15 ans, il a partagé son temps de travail entre l’informatique et la conduite
d’expéditions dans l’Arctique, surtout pour GNGL. Il a réalisé plus de 60 voyages et
expéditions en régions polaires.
Depuis 2004, il a travaillé comme guide ou chef d’expédition dans différentes régions :
Spitzberg, Groenland, Nunavut, Géorgie du Sud et péninsule Antarctique, .en continuant à
partager son temps entre l’informatique et les voyages. En 2009, année où il a décidé de
se consacrer uniquement à l’activité de guide conférencier. Quand il ne voyage pas, il
s’occupe de sa maison et de son jardin sous le climat ensoleillé de la Provence.
Son intérêt principal est la glaciologie, les autres sciences de la Terre et aussi
l’ornithologie. Gérard parle français et anglais.
Christian Genillard – Guide
Christian discovered the Polar Regions in 1981 when he sailed to
Svalbard on a 7m boat without engine, where he got bitten by the
Polar Bug. Since 2003 he works as a guide all around the Arctic and
the Antarctic.
Christian a découvert les régions polaires en 1981 lors d’une
croisière au Spitzberg à bord d’un petit voilier de 7m sans moteur,
c’est là qu’il a attrapé le virus polaire. Il travaille depuis 2003
comme guide en Arctique et en Antarctique.
Born in Switzerland in 1961, near the lake of Geneva, Christian caught the virus of the sea at seven when
crossing the Atlantic on his parents’ boat. Very quickly he understands that the exposure to the tropical
sun is not his cup of tea. He turns then to the cold seas, visiting the Polar Regions.
He chose to study mathematics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, this branch
allowing a lot of free time! He needed time to devour the polar explorers’ accounts and to escape on the
sea as soon as the opportunities arose.
In 1981 he did his first cruise to Spitsbergen he loved it so much that he then decide to organise and guide
cruises there. He sailed again to Spitsbergen and Greenland in 1983, 1988, 2005, 2008 and 2010!
From 1991 to 1994, he worked as an engineer for projects such as the “round the world race” and the
“America's Cup”. These activities in the world of racing did not remove his virus of expedition cruising. In
1993 he left to discover the Great South, the Antarctic, on a 13m sailing boat followed by Ireland and
Scotland (1995), Patagonia (1997), Alaska (1998), South Georgia (1999-2000), again Antarctica (2003), and
in 2003-2004, 3 months of navigation in South Georgia, South Sandwich, South Orkney and South
Shetlands.
Since 2004 he is working full time as guide, expedition leader, lecturer and zodiac driver on expeditions to
Spitsbergen, Greenland, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Georgia. His focus is on the history of the polar
region and navigation and he loves the penguins…
Né en Suisse, au bord du lac Léman, Christian a attrapé le virus de la mer à l’âge de 7 ans lors d’une
traversée de l’Atlantique avec ses parents. Il a rapidement compris que l’exposition au soleil des tropiques
n’était pas sa tasse de thé. Il s’est ainsi tourné vers l’exploration des mers froides.
Il choisit d’étudier les mathématiques à l’école polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, cette branche étant
celle qui lui laissait le plus de temps libre pour lire les récits des explorateurs polaires et partir naviguer dès
que l’occasion se présentait.
En 1981 il a fait son premier voyage en Arctique, au Spitzberg, ce fut une révélation et il n’a pas cessé
depuis d’organiser et de guider des croisières au Spitsberg et au Groenland (en 1983, 1988, 2005, 2008 et
2010)!
De 1991 à 1994 Christian a travaillé comme ingénieur sur des projets de bateaux de courses pour la course
autour du monde et la coupe de l’America. Mais ces activités dans le monde de la compétition ne lui ont
pas enlevé son virus de la croisière expédition. En 1993 il part découvrir l’Antarctique en voilier, puis
l’Ecosse et l’Irlande (1995), la Patagonie (1997), l’Alaska (1998), La Géorgie du Sud (1999-2000) puis de
nouveau l’Antarctique en 2003. En 2003-2004 il a fait la logistique pendant 3 mois pour une équipe de film
en Géorgie du Sud, au Sandwich du Sud, aux Orcades du Sud et en Antarctique.
Depuis 2004 il est guide conférencier, pilote de zodiac ou chef d’expédition a plein temps pour des
expéditions au Spitzberg, au Groenland, en péninsule Antarctique, en Géorgie du Sud, en Alaska et dans
l’Extrême-Orient Russe. Ses sujets de prédilection sont l’histoire des régions polaires et la navigation. Et
surtout il est fasciné par les merveilleux habitants de l’Antarctique, les manchots…
Céline Clément-Chastel
Passionnée de voyages, de nature et d’animaux marins,
Céline, a d'abord été chargée d'étude à l'Institut de
géographie de Bergen en Norvège sur des questions de
gestion des pêches en mer de Barents. Depuis 1998,
divers contrats au CNRS ont mené cette ingénieure
cartographe à participer à une quinzaine de missions
scientifiques en Arctique (Norvège du nord, Ile aux ours,
Spitzberg) et en Péninsule antarctique. Ces travaux se
sont principalement déroulés dans le cadre de
programmes de recherche de l’Institut Polaire Français (IPEV) et axés sur les adaptations
des oiseaux marins polaires aux variations de leur environnement. Capture, baguage,
mesure biométrique, prise de sang, pose d’enregistreurs d’activité sur différentes espèces
n’ont plus de secrets pour elle.
Dans la même période, Céline a été guide de randonnée au Spitzberg et a régulièrement
accompagné des croisières dans les régions polaires, ce qui lui a donné le goût de la
vulgarisation scientifique.
Elle travaille actuellement comme chargée de médiation scientifique et assure la
coordination et la réalisation d’actions de communication et de culture scientifique.
Membre du bureau d’APECS France, le comité national français de l’Association of polar
Early Career Scientists (association des jeunes chercheurs et éducateurs des régions
polaires), elle y contribue à la communication sur les dernières découvertes scientifiques
dans le monde polaire (Semaine polaire, Jour de l’Antarctique, colloques).
With a passion for travel, nature and marine animals, Celine was initially Research Manager
at the Department of Geography of the University of Bergen, Norway, investigating fisheries
management issues in the Barents Sea. Since 1998, various contracts for France's national
scientific research center (CNRS) have led this cartographer to participate in fifteen
scientific missions in the Arctic (Northern Norway, Bear Island, and Spitsbergen) and
Antarctic Peninsula. This work was primarily conducted as part of research programs funded
by the French Polar Institute (IPEV) and focused on the adaptations of polar seabirds to
changes in their environment. She knows all the ins and outs of capturing, bird banding,
biometric measurements, blood sampling, and activity recorders.
During the same period, Celine has been a hiking guide in Spitsbergen and has regularly
accompanied cruises in the Polar Regions, which has given her a taste for science outreach
programs.
She currently works as Scientific Mediator and ensures the coordination and the carrying
out of communication events in scientific culture. Member of the Board of APECS France,
the national committee of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists, she contributes
to communicating the latest scientific discoveries in the polar world.
David McFarlane
David is Canadian, from a small town in
Ontario just north of Toronto. After finishing
his studies in Montreal he took off to see the
world, travelling and working in various
countries before finally ending up on a trip in
the Antarctic in 2010. Since then David has
been obsessed with the Polar Regions,
working numerous expeditions in both the
Antarctic and the Arctic – all the way up to the
North Pole! He worries sometimes that the
places in the world he loves the most tend to
also be the most secluded, but he takes solace in the fact that he gets the chance to
show these wonderful parts of the world to so many intrepid travellers!
David est Canadien. Entre autres choses, il aime être à l'extérieur et manger du sirop
d'érable. Depuis la fin de ses études à l’université de McGill en Montréal, il a travaillé
sans relâche pour éviter d'obtenir un "vrai travail" et pour passer le plus de temps
possible dans la nature. David s’est retrouvé autour de la planète, mais ce n’est
toutefois qu’en 2010 que David a trébuché sur sa vraie passion...les régions polaires !
David a eu la chance de guider déjà plusieurs expéditions dans le Grand Sud et le
Grand Nord, et même un voyage jusqu’au mythique Pôle Nord! Si parfois il
s'interroge sur sa santé mentale en reconnaissant que ses endroits préférés dans le
monde se trouvent également être les plus isolés, il se console dans l'immense joie
de partager ces régions incroyables avec d’autres. David se sent toujours chanceux
de visiter les régions polaires et il se réjouit de les découvrir avec vous !
Christian Engelke
When Christian is not in the high latitudes of Svalbard,
Greenland or Antarctica, you probably find him
playing around in wind and waves in his seakayak
around Tromsø in Northern Nor-way.
Quand Christian n’est pas dans les hautes latitudes du
Svalbard, du Groenland ou de l’Antarctique, vous le
trouverez avec son kayak de mer vers Tromsø, au nord
de la Norvège.
Since his first vacation to Norway Christian has
suffered severely under the quite widespread
“Scandinavia-fever”. He has been exploring both the
mountains and coastal regions of Norway, Sweden
and Greenland by feet, on skis and in his kayak. 2008, studying engineering, Christian
moved to Svalbard. After nearly three unforgettable years with many personal adventures
and experiences as a guide at 78 degrees North, he moved “down South” to Tromsø in
Northern Norway. Since 2009 Christian is working as a freelance guide, both on day trips
and longer tours all year around. In addition Christian works for the Norwegian Polar
Institute, is a sea kayak instructor, and his speciality are long kayak trips he is offering in
the East Greenland Tasiilaq district and in Tromsø since 2011.
After 5 seasons on Svalbard, Christian is now starting to explore the very South, as well.
This is his first Antarctic season and Christian is very excited about the substitution of
walrus by sea elephants and polar bears by penguins.
Depuis ses premières vacances en Norvège, Christian a durement souffert de la “ fièvre
scandinave ”. Que ce soit à pieds, en ski ou en kayak, il a exploré les montagnes et les
côtes de Norvège, de Suède et du Groenland. En 2008, suivant des études d’ingénieur,
Christian déménagea au Spitzberg. Après 3 années inoubliables remplies d’aventures au
delà du 78e parallèle Nord, il déménagea à nouveau mais vers “ le sud ”, à Tromsø, au
nord de la Norvège. Depuis 2009, Christian travaille toute l’année à son compte comme
guide tant pour des excursions à la journée que pour des excursions de plusieurs
semaines. De plus, Christian travaille pour l’Institut Polaire Norvégien et est instructeur de
kayak de mer. Sa spécialité sont les longues excursions en kayak qu’il offre sur la côte Est
du Groenland dans le district de Tasiilaq et aux alentours de Tromsø depuis 2011.
Après 5 saisons au Spitzberg, Christian explore maintenant le grand sud. C’est sa deuxième
saison en Antarctique et il est particulièrement impressionné par le remplacement des
morses par des éléphants de mer et les ours polaires par des manchots !!!
Andrew Bishop
Andrew grew up on King Island, a small Island
off Tasmania, Australia, before moving to
Hobart to further his studies in 1993. He
graduated with a bachelor of science in 2001,
majoring in geology and environmental
geography. He has spent the intervening years
travelling throughout Australia and overseas,
exploring different cultures and experiencing
what other countries of the world have to
offer.
Andrew’s work as a geologist has only
enhanced his love of the outdoors and has
seen him crisscross the Australian continent,
taking him to some very remote and very hot areas of Australia. Andrew became
interested in Antarctica during his studies at university and he made his first trip to the
Great White Land in January 2009. He subsequently caught a severe case of the polar bug
and returns every year as a guide and lecturer for Oceanwide Expeditions and to share his
love and knowledge of Antarctica. He has also been guiding in the Arctic since 2012
where he has managed to observe the very interesting geology and the majority of Arctic
flora and fauna of Svalbard, Greenland and Iceland but has unfortunately not yet managed
to find Santa Claus.
FRANÇAIS : Andrew a grandi à King Island, une petite île en Tasmanie et déménagea à
Hobart en 1993 pour poursuivre ses études. Il a obtenu un baccalauréat en sciences en
2001, précisément en géologie et en géographie. Il passa les années suivantes à voyager
en Australie et à parcourir le monde à la découverte de nouvelles cultures et de ce que les
autres pays peuvent offrir.
Le travail d’Andrew comme géologue l’amena dans les regions les plus reculées d’Australie
et ne fit qu’accroître sa passion pour la nature. Andrew s’intéressa à l’Antarctique alors
qu’il étudiait la géologie à l’université. Il fit son premier voyage sur le Grand Continent
Blanc en janvier 2009. Il attrapa alors le virus polaire et y retourna tous les ans comme
guide naturaliste pour Oceanwide Expeditions afin de partager son savoir et sa passion de
l’Antarctique. Depuis 2012 il a guidé aussi dans l’Arctique, au Spitzberg. Il réussit à faire de
belles observations géologiques et vit la quasi totalité de la flore et de la faune du
Svalbard, du Groenland et de l'Islande. Malheureusement il ne rencontra jamais le Père
Noël.