Shackleton Epic voyage reconstruction expedition

Discussion in 'All Things Boats & Boating' started by rwatson, Dec 2, 2012.

  1. rwatson
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    rwatson Senior Member

    Any masochists out there ?

    "In honour of Sir Ernest's remarkable 800 nautical mile voyage across the Southern Ocean, from Elephant Island to South Georgia, and his crossing of its mountainous interior, the Shackleton Epic expedition will sail Alexandra Shackleton - a purpose-built, exact replica of Shackleton's 22.5-foot (6.9m) lifeboat, James Caird - across the same stretch of open ocean and then attempt to cross the rugged peaks of South Georgia."

    http://www.yachtingworld.com/news/532591/wanted-ten-hardy-souls

    Latest news :-
    "Shackleton Epic Update

    Due to extreme unseasonal conditions – with unusually thick ice floes in areas that would normally be clear – safety concerns have caused the cancellation of Intrepid’s element of the Shackleton Epic expedition."

    http://www.intrepidtravel.com/shackleton
     
  2. waikikin
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    waikikin Senior Member




    Wimps;) way too cold f me!!!!!!
     
  3. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    The reconstruction voyage would require real men with an exceptional leader.
     
  4. Corley
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    Corley epoxy coated

    I dont want to sound negative but I cant really see the point in it to be honest. Shackleton only made the voyage in desperation it was a remarkable achievement but do all such efforts have to be recreated? What purpose does it serve? Why cant the original feat be simply appreciated and admired for the time and context in which it occured?

    By the way I recall reading an excellent book by one of the crewmembers on the original journey it was a great read but sadly I cant remember what it was called. Must dig through the old books and try and find it.
     
  5. michael pierzga
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    michael pierzga Senior Member

  6. Corley
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    Corley epoxy coated

    Indeed, Shackleton's Boat Journey was the book and well worth the read if you can secure a copy somewhere.
     
  7. michael pierzga
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    michael pierzga Senior Member

    It is a worthwhile adventure. But like all these modern adventures , it are only possible because of Satellite phones and rescue helicopters. Hopefully the sponsors of this adventure have made provisions to reimburse the country who does the rescue if things go wrong.
     
  8. Corley
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    Corley epoxy coated

    The team mentioned in a tv interview I saw tonight that they will have a support vessel nearby all the time.
     
  9. michael pierzga
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    michael pierzga Senior Member

    Yes, that is the responsible way to do it.

    I would think that Australia would have no grievance when rescuing an adventurer who planned ahead using best practice , but still got caught out
     
  10. pdwiley
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    pdwiley Senior Member

    There was a snippet on the TV last night. Personally I'd prefer to be in my 6500 tonne heated icebreaker but I don't feel like I have anything to prove.

    If I did, I'd probably just go and do something rather than seek sponsorship & publicity to do something. I far prefer Bill Tilman's approach to this sort of thing.

    PDW
     
  11. JosephT
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    JosephT Senior Member

    Wow, this is one crazy mission. That journey by Shackleton and his men across the southern ocean in that tiny lifeboat boat was tremendously risky mission. This re-inactor Tim Jarvis is just nuts.
     
  12. rwatson
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    rwatson Senior Member

    Nuts like a fox! The members have to pay for the experience, he has income from sponsors, and the film alone will bring in a nice tidy income over the next few years.

    Its just '*******' on ice - fame and money is the driver.
     
  13. JosephT
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    JosephT Senior Member

    That's an understatement. He's probably hired a furry bodied aboriginal crew from Tierra del Fuego who have no idea what they're in for. Anybody with an intellect slightly above that of a chimpanzee would know this is very likely a suicide mission.
     
  14. pdwiley
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    pdwiley Senior Member

    It likely would be if they were really re-enacting Shackleton's voyage, but they're not.

    IIRC Shackleton didn't have a standby rescue boat following along.

    It's strictly a PR bullshyt expedition.

    The JAMES CAIRD was on display at the Australian Maritime Museum some years ago and I took a close look & some photos. Be interesting to compare their 're-enactment' vessel specifications.

    PDW
     

  15. philSweet
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    philSweet Senior Member

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