sailing

March 9th – out to sea

With a full day out to sea we had left the Beagle Channel and straight into the Drake passage South bound we go! Full swing into our adventure now and no turning back.We were super fortunate and experienced very calm seas. Magnificent body of water as you look out to the horizon of nothing! Today was filled with presentations educating us on the wildlife and science of Antarctica. Very interesting and experienced staff who have so much knowledge to share with us on board. Each evening we have a debrief on the days events and talk about the schedule for the following day.

Throughout the day we saw Southern Ocean whales and multiple types of sea birds.

In the afternoon we would perform a safety drill with our life jackets that have been allocated and later that evening Quark would fit us with our incredibly warm jackets and boots for our excursions. These are fantastic quality and a gift for you to take home. The process was seamless, fun and exciting!

Albatross perfectly centred and i like it that way

April 24, 2020 by civilizedadventures Categories: Karen Schulz, Polar RegionsTags: antarctica, expedition, sailing, ship, whales, wildlife Leave a comment

March 8th – Quark Expeditions, and we set sail!

The excitement levels are high! An early morning charter flight to Ushuaia, you have the whole day to arrive and board the ship. (And do not forget to put on your motion sickness patch at this point, it needs to be 12 hours before sailing). This is the beginning of ‘Antarctic explorer – discovering the 7^th Continent’:

Before boarding onto our new home, we were once again tested for our health and sent up the gang way to join our fellow sailors and settle into our cabins. Quark staff were very welcoming and guided us through the ship to make us feel at home. They put on an incredible afternoon tea ‘spread’ in the Polaris lounge for arrivals which we later learn is part of the daily schedule.

Tonight, we set sail at 18:30 and leave the port of Ushuaia, a beautiful port to leave as we watch the surrounding mountains disappear into the distance and start our adventure!

Tonight, we sit down to a wonderful dinner and are welcomed on to the ship with open arms. Afterward we meet in the Nautilus lounge and are introduced to the Expedition Team and head crew. Presentations start and we learn about the schedule for each day. Today is about meeting the staff, other sailors and getting to know your surrounding.

April 7, 2020 by civilizedadventures Categories: Karen Schulz, Polar RegionsTags: antarctica, expedition, polar, quark, sailing, ship Leave a comment

Starclippers Tall Ship Sailing (Barbados – Caribbean Islands)

There is something enchanting about being on a Tall ship and watching the sails go up under the moonlight to beautiful music! Starclippers gives people the opportunity to spend lots of time in various ports for on-shore experiences as well as offering some unique things to do on board! Climb the mast for a birds eye view or hang out on the “bowsprit” – the netting at the bow of the ship – to watch the Ocean below! This trip is casual and yet still first class food and accommodation – an absolute blast of a good time for friends and family. Kathy took a group of 24 on the Barbados – Caribbean Islands sailing and each person had a magical time on-board and we are already planning their next adventure.

April 7, 2019April 7, 2019 by karenandkatieinkenya Categories: Kathy Oakes, North AmericaTags: barbados, cruise, sailing Leave a comment