Adventure calling - sail to the 'Ends of the Earth' in November

by Sail-World Cruising on 3 May 2014 In November 2014 one of the most alluring expeditions ever envisaged will commence from Downunder, in Sydney Australia. Just when brand new sailing adventures are becoming harder to come by, along comes something many a shore-bound sailor would yearn for: sailing to 'Ends of the Earth' in two consecutive summers on a specially prepared expedition boat.

Yes, people have sailed around the world clockwise and anti-clockwise. They have done it single handed and in hot shot sailing teams. They have done it non-stop and taking twenty years sometimes. They have raced each other and done it for pleasure. But here is a new ocean challenge...

We believe that nobody has ever attempted to sail, in consecutive summers, from the world's most Southerly town, Ushuaia behind Cape Horn, to the most Northerly, Hammerfest, 400 miles north of Norway's Arctic circle. (Corrections welcome).

This voyage, led and skippered by the Ocean Sailing Club's Peter Edington on the expedition yacht Loquax, will cover a wide range of sailing - from some of the most challenging oceans in the world to gentle cruising in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. So, whether you are a hardened sailor or a complete beginner, there will be something for you on this exciting voyage!

Starting from Sydney, it will be an attempt to be the first people to sail in consecutive summers to these two most extreme towns in each hemisphere.

Being the centenary of Shackleton's famous expedition from South Georgia they will be hoping to spend one week in Grytviken, en route.

But here's the good part: You don't have to do it all!

Relaxed Sailing: To take part in a 'Relaxed Sailing' level leg you don't need any sailing experience. You will have plentyof opportunities to 'work the boat' but if you just want to swim, snorkel and party, that's fine with us

Cruise: To take part in a 'Cruise' level leg you should know something about sailing first - if only to make sure you enjoy doing it! One of these legs would be ideal for anyone who wants to gain experience offshore, maybe with a view to taking a boat of their own out cruising one day.

Expedition: To take part in an 'Expedition' level leg you should be an adventurer with some sailing experience and a track record in difficult/dangerous terrain. This description would of course include any experienced sailor who has logged significant ocean miles. Although formal certification is not a pre-requisite, we are looking for people with RYA Yachtmaster certificates to be watch-leaders.

Here's a summary of part of the journey, but if you want to know more, inquire at the website of the Ocean Sailing Club, shown below:

http://www.TheOceansailingClub.org/index.php?page=32