BSAE 2012 is a tri-Service exercise deploying 24 servicemen and women to the Arrowsmith Peninsula in Marguerite Bay on the Antarctic Peninsula. The expedition’s main effort will be the ascent of unclimbed mountains on the Antarctic Peninsula. The exercise coincides with the centennial anniversary of Captain Scott’s expedition to the Antarctic.

Unlike other expeditions seeking to follow in Scott’s footsteps in 2012, the BSAE will travel in the Spirit of Scott, but not in his tracks. Instead, and very much in the ethos of Scott’s 1910-1913 expedition, the BSAE aim will be: “to conduct scientific exploration in remote areas of the Antarctic Peninsula, seeking to further the bounds of human exploration and knowledge.” The expedition will seek to conduct the scientific exploration in the Peninsula Arm of Antarctica, an area which is warming faster than anywhere else on the planet. Amongst other things, this science will contribute to an understanding of the factors influencing this rapid warming. The exercise will also raise funds to support the “Help for Heroes” Charity.

To follow their progress go to the blog

Why not experience the “Frozen Planet” for yourself ?

Having been involved in the production of “Frozen Planet” we can personally take you to visit some of the actual locations shown in the series.

Roger and Ben Wallis operate an international charter service with the fully equipped 75′ steel-hulled motor sailor ‘AUSTRALIS’ and the 52′ steel-hulled yacht ‘PHILOS’. Both vessels are purpose built for high latitude expedition sailing.

‘AUSTRALIS’ – based in the Southern hemisphere is set up for both hard working commercial projects & laid-back luxury cruising. She is fully equipped to support expeditions, film crews, scientists, photographers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, artists, bird watchers, divers, sightseers and adventurers of all descriptions. In addition to all the luxuries of a well appointed cruising vessel, she has large storage areas for equipment and a workshop. She carries 9 passengers and the crew.

‘PHILOS’ – based in the Northern hemisphere is set up for both small projects & laid-back cruising. She is a steel-hulled, schooner rigged yacht & carries a comprehensive range of safety, operational and navigational equipment to support expeditions, film crews, scientists, photographers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, artists, bird watchers, divers, sightseers and adventurers of all descriptions. She carries 5 passengers and the crew.

WHERE AND WHEN

Roger and Ben operate year round bouncing between the summer in the southern polar region during October to April and the summer in the northern polar region during July to September.

Roger and Ben are also open to suggestions for trips to other parts of the world !!

HOW MUCH

Our rates are variable depending on destination:

‘AUSTRALIS’ – based in the Southern hemisphere – eg. Antarctica & the Island of South Georgia AUD $4,898 per day (to charter the entire vessel), and the glacial regions of the Chilean Channels, Patagonia, Beagle Canal & Cape Horn AUD$3,983 per day. This includes food, fuel, port and permit fees. Most trips have a minimum duration, please check the destination pages for details.

‘PHILOS’ – based in the Northern hemisphere – eg. Greenland, Svalbard and the Arctic AUD $2,040 per day (to charter the entire vessel). This includes food, fuel, port and permit fees.

Check out our Itinerary or contact us for upcoming trips

IAATO – Keeping Antarctica Pristine.

‘Australis’ was privileged enough to be the first Australian yacht to become a full member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), where the key is to follow responsible environmental policies. All those visiting Antarctica will be advised of minimum impact practices & minimum approach distances to wildlife.

News:

Makes me think we should study and improve our Spanish a little more !!

Brought to life by Atlantic Productions and Sir David Attenborough. The feature documentary set in the uninhabited island of South Georgia, telling a captivating story about the lives of King Penguins, including romance, in-fighting and even some drama.
The documentary will be seen first on Sky 3D, followed by numerous world-wide cinema releases including those with a giant screen, before going to the 2D screen on Sky Atlantic HD.
The film will allow viewers to be a part of the penguin’s individual lives and offer insight into what the bird’s family life is all about.

Sir David Attenborough, the world’s best-known natural history broadcaster, said:
“South Georgia is one of the most extraordinary and least appreciated places for wildlife in the world. King penguins are particularly interesting because they are so big that the chicks can’t grow to adult dimensions and strength to go to sea within a year.
“The landscape and wildlife of South Georgia is very dramatic, and I think it will look absolutely mind-blowing in 3D.”