ANTARCTICA BY SAILBOAT – EXPLORATION TRIP

DISCOVER THE MAJESTIC BEAUTY OF ANTARCTICA WITH A TRUE SEAMANSHIP SAILBOAT

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica, where endless ice shelves, vibrant turquoise glaciers, and extraordinary wildlife await. This remote, breathtaking continent in the South offers a surreal experience that fills you with awe, peace, and inspiration. Each voyage across these pristine waters is a chance to witness nature in its purest form and explore the fascinating history of the explorers who came before us.

As you sail silently through the icy waters, you’ll encounter Antarctica’s rich wildlife, from penguins and seals to majestic whales. The historic huts on snow-covered hills tell the tales of past adventurers, adding a layer of depth to your exploration. Every southern summer, our ship, Bark EUROPA, crosses the Drake Passage, guiding you through the same routes that have challenged explorers for centuries.

Your adventure starts in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. From here, you’ll set sail towards Antarctica, navigating the Drake Passage over four days. During the crossing, you’ll actively participate in sailing the ship, working alongside the crew in a unique learning environment that combines both beginners and experienced sailors.

Upon arrival, small groups will explore the shorelines by zodiac, coming face to face with penguins, seals, and other incredible wildlife. You’ll hike through icy landscapes, taking in the serene beauty of glaciers, mountains, and the deep blue sea. The sight of whales feeding near the ship and the vibrant sunsets will leave you in awe of the natural world.

We are committed to preserving the pristine environment of Antarctica. Our voyages adhere to strict environmental guidelines to ensure that this unique ecosystem remains untouched for future generations. By traveling with us, you become an ambassador for Antarctica, helping to protect and cherish this extraordinary destination.

For an Antarctica sailboat expedition, good physical health and fitness are essential due to the challenging weather conditions and the demands of life on a sailboat. Participants should be prepared for rough seas that may cause the ship to heel, roll, and pitch, making movement on deck difficult. It’s important to have strong arms and legs, as you will be expected to actively participate in sail handling, stand watch, and assist with various tasks. Key physical requirements include the ability to pull yourself up a rope ladder, navigate through an escape hatch, maintain balance on a moving ship, and climb in and out of a zodiac. Preparing yourself physically for these tasks will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Adventure-wear
– Winter travel clothes and change.
– Woolen underwear – shirt and pants (bring two pairs so you have extra)
– Woolen socks (multiple pairs) and woolen soles (bring two pairs so you have a shift)
– Woolen scarf/buff/high neck and hat (preferably warm and wind-proof)
– Mittens or gloves preferably with wind or water-resistant covers.
– Woolen sweater, preferably a turtle-neck
– Warm pants, preferably multi-layered with warmer materials. (For use on deck or while sailing)
– Small seat-pad to put inside your pants, for insulation when sitting in the cockpit, or padded longs.
– Warm winter jacket – down jacket or preferably primaloft (as they handle water better)
– “Nice/party-/restaurant” clothing
– Sea-/sailing-/rubberboots, preferably “winter” style. Bring some that are one or two sizes bigger than what you normally wear. Then you’ll have room for your feet even with extra woolen-socks and woolen-soles.
– Light shoes/sandals/crocs that breathe well. (For use indoor and on deck in nice weather)
– Waterproof sail wear / oilskins. Preferably one light shell-set for hiking and one heavier for sailing.
– Sailing gloves (not a must), you can also use skiing-gloves

Other equipment
– A headlamp (preferably one that has a dimming-function and/or red (night) light) + extra batteries.
– Sunglasses and/or goggles (same as for alpine skiing, with bright glass)
– Water bottle, 0,5-1 liter
– Small washing cloth and soap
– Towel and swimming gear

Charging, smartphones and other general advice
– On board the boats there are socket outlets for charging devices when we sail.
– Pack like a sailor; in a bag or backpack, NOT in a suitcase.
– Pack as little as possible, but bring what you need!:)
– The less items you bring, the faster we sail, and the less time you spend fooling around with your gear:)
– Passport when traveling from abroad.

PS: This is a recommended packing-list. Please take into account if there are other items you may need on board.

The minimum age is 16 for solo travelers, 12/13 for families, depending on the child this is something that is up for discussion and we’ll have a video call prior to booking. The maximum age is 73 years old. All passengers should be able to swim.

A booking form with a detailed physical and health status is required to be filled to get approval for joining the trip.

Food:

• All meals on board are prepared by an experienced cook and assistant, offering a variety of dishes.
• You can choose between a vegetarian (no fish, no meat) or a non-vegetarian meal option for the entire voyage. Unfortunately, vegan diets cannot be accommodated.
• Meal preferences (vegetarian or non-vegetarian) must be confirmed at booking and can be changed up to a week before departure.

Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions:

• General:Dietary requirements must be discussed with the cooks before the voyage due to limited storage and cooking capabilities.
• Gluten:The galley is not gluten-free. Those with Coeliac disease cannot join. If you’re gluten intolerant but not severely allergic, you might want to bring gluten-free snacks.
• Lactose:Lactose can generally be avoided, particularly during breakfast and lunch buffets. The cook will attempt to accommodate lactose intolerance during evening meals.
• Multiple Allergies:Combinations of allergies (e.g., no lactose and no gluten) cannot be catered to. The cooks can only offer limited alternatives.

The Itinerary explains what meals are included each day according to the program. If you have allergies or preferences, let us know on the registration form and we will take it into account.

Accommodation:

The program provides accommodation in 4/6pax shared cabin . If you wish a 2 pax cabin there is supplement (+1.520€) that you can add in the check out in “Extra services”.

We believe solo travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Visas, and Entry Requirements Certainly! It is important to have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity when traveling to any country. To know the specific visa requirements for your trip, it is recommended to contact your local embassy or consulate, or consult with your travel agent. Remember that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements can vary based on your nationality and your destination. While we strive to keep our information updated, visa rules can change unexpectedly. Therefore, it is crucial that you verify the information yourself and understand that you are accountable for meeting your own visa requirements. Vaccines For each trip, clients are solely responsible for having the mandatory and/or recommended vaccines required in each region or country. Consult with your doctor to have all vaccinations before the start of the trip.

Sailboat
Bark EUROPA, built in 1911 as a lightship on the Elbe River and later transformed into a barque in 1986, has been fully restored since 1994 for worldwide sailing. This iconic vessel is certified for safety under Dutch law and is ideal for adventurers of all sailing experience levels seeking to explore Antarctica. Onboard, guests and crew from various nationalities create a lively and international atmosphere. The ship features diverse public areas, including a library, lounge, poker corner, and deckhouse, catering to both quiet moments and social activities. The deckhouse also includes a bar for relaxing with fellow voyagers. Accommodations consist of 12 comfortable cabins—four 2-person, four 4-person, and four 6-person—with each cabin offering cozy bunks, individual sheets, duvets, towels, and private shower and toilet facilities.

Life onboard
Joining a voyage on Bark EUROPA means becoming an active part of the voyage crew, with no prior sailing experience required. The permanent crew will train you in all aspects of sailing, including steering, navigation, and sail handling, in a supportive and informal manner. With a maximum of 42 guests on board, you’ll be engaged in a hands-on adventure, taking turns on watch every four hours while enjoying eight hours of free time. The sailing routine operates 24 hours a day, fostering teamwork and cooperation as you navigate the traditional sailing vessel. You’ll quickly adapt to the intricate network of lines and blocks, gaining confidence in handling the ship as you contribute to its daily operations and experience the thrill of sailing in Antarctica.

Medical Care
When undertaking a voyage to Antarctica, you are sometimes several days of sailing away from the inhabited world. It is therefore important to realize that extensive medical care is not available. Transport to the mainland is often impossible. We have crew members with medical training, there is a doctor on board and we have an emergency medical chest with a number of medicines and emergency first aid. In severe cases, the captain will contact the radio medical service for advice. If you use any medication for certain medical issues, this needs to be stated on your booking form. We expect you to bring this medication with you on board yourself.

Sea sickness
Although a sailing vessel at sea in strong winds is much steadier than a motor vessel, some people can still become seasick. Most will get used to the motion of the ship after a few days. Being relaxed and well rested when you come on board, a nutritious diet and sufficient sleep are the best remedies to overcome seasickness. If you fear that you might be susceptible to seasickness, you can take pills or other medication for seasickness.

Zodiac landings
In Antarctica we try to make landings every day. For these landings, you will be brought to shore with our zodiacs. To get into the moving zodiac you need to climb down a rope ladder along the ships hull. Usually landings are on pebble or rocky beaches and you will have to wade through shallow water to get to the shore. Walks ashore may vary with difficulty and are different on every location we visit. There are walks on pebble/sandy beaches but there might also be some steep hills to overcome with a snowy underground to walk on. A good body strength will help you enjoy these hikes even more.

In case you wish that we can look for the best flight combination tickets from your nearest airport to the destination you can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip and will give you the best proposal beforehand and once accepted buy it for you. This service includes monitor the flight prices over time to get the best deal when prices are low and check in of your flight. The administrative fee for this service is 35€ + the flights cost that will be invoice to you afterwards.

In case you wish that we can look for the best travel insurance that covers the trip destination/activity with your nationality. You can add this service in “extra services” on the checkout before booking the trip and will give you the best proposal beforehand and once accepted buy it for you. The administrative fee for this service is 15€ + the insurance cost that will be invoice to you afterwards. The client is informed that B4Experience will issue the trip without including a cancellation, repatriation or accident policy, unless it is explicitly included in the trip contract and paid in the first payment. Rescue insurance: Mandatory A rescue/medevac insurance is mandatory. The insurance should cover medical evacuation at least of 200.000usd from the ship and cover all medical costs and hospitalization. Note that not all medical insurance covers sailing trips, make sure that rescue from a boat that is almost all cases 20 nautical miles from the coast is covered. The user is informed that the GUARANTEE COMPANY that covers the risks of contractual liability and guarantee against insolvency is MARKEL INSURANCE SE. Our trips are covered by Civil Liability insurance.

Once the booking form has been accepted the payment is as follows:

• • 30% of voyage fee within 14 days of booking confirmation
  • 50% of voyage fee 5 months before embarkation
  • 20% of voyage fee 2 months before embarkation

The client can take out trip cancellation insurance to be able to obtain payment of the entire amount paid (according to its conditions).

The end user may withdraw from the contracted trip, having the right to a refund of the amounts paid, except for the indicated penalties, but must also satisfy the Agency in the amounts indicated below once the trip has been confirmed. If it is not carried out due to not reaching the minimum necessary places, the client can save the credit for future trips or request a full refund of the reservation.

Special Cancellation policy:

• FULL REFUND UP TO 24H AFTER PURCHASE
• In the event of cancellation, the customer shall owe to the agency a fixed compensatory payment, at a percentage of the agreed price:
• • • 20% in case of cancellation up to 6 months before the start of the sailing voyage;
    • 40% in case of cancellation up to 4 months before the start of the sailing voyage;
    • 60% in case of cancellation up to 2 months before the start of the sailing voyage;
    • 80% in case of cancellation up to 1 month before the start of the sailing voyage;
    • 100% in case of cancellation less then 1 month before the start of the sailing voyage

*€250 management fees apply
* Cancellation fees will not be paid for reservations already issued. If there are other non-refundable expenses already issued, these will not be paid either and will be deducted from the amount to be paid.
* The cost of cancellation of issued flights is 100% of the amount.

EXEMPTION OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
B4Experience offers active trips for different sports and Outdoor activities, as well as information related to these activities through our web platform www.b4experience.com and other channels.

The practice of any activity in nature carries a risk for those who do it, with most of these activities being considered high-risk sports. Each one must know and apply their limits and be aware that regardless of the technical training and physical level one has, their practice can lead to accidents or even death.

The in-person activities and trips offered by B4Experience are carried out on land and activities that may inherently involve risks for those who carry them out and thus clients are informed that they contract them.

DOSSIER DISCLAIMER:

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print/ download a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER:

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. On all Outdoor trips, the routes will be adjusted depending on the weather, the level of the group participants and the risks assessed by the guide/trip leader.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.