Dear Friends, Family, Workmates and Supporters,

I'm participating in Shackleton Epic as a member of the crew onboard the expedition support vessel, Australis.  This is a very exciting and challenging time for me – I will be witnessing history in the making in Antarctica.  Now I need your support to help protect the Antarctic’s fragile environment.  Please make a donation to support Fauna & Flora International’s work via this page.

Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition is one of the greatest survival stories in history and has inspired adventurers across every continent over three generations.  In honour of Sir Ernest Shackleton’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 attempt the first authentic recreation of Shackleton’s feat by sailing 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.

As Shackleton Epic’s conservation partner, FFI will benefit from funds raised through the expedition which will support the charity’s vital work to protect some of the most vulnerable ecosystems and species on the planet.

Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Original Voyage

In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 28 men embarked on an expedition to cross the Antarctic Continent from the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea.  Disaster struck the expedition when its ship, Endurance, became trapped in pack ice and was slowly crushed before the shore parties could be landed. There followed a sequence of exploits, and an ultimate escape with no lives lost, that would eventually assure Shackleton's heroic status.

To mark the centenary of this amazing voyage, British-Australian explorer Tim Jarvis AM will, with five other adventurers are attempting to become the first to authentically re-enact Shackleton’s perilous ‘double journey’ across sea and land using traditional gear – an expedition they have dubbed Shackleton Epic.  The only concessions to the use of modern equipment will be the storage of emergency equipment and radios, and the presence of a support vessel, all of which will only be called upon in the event of a real crisis.

Before the expedition departs, I will join seven others onboard the expedition support vessel and tour several Antarctic locations, no doubt seeing awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife.  Following this, we will farewell the Shackleton Epic expedition before departing on a Patagonian expedition.

Whilst onboard the support vessel I will participate in shipboard activities, learning about navigation, practical seamanship and meteorology and will have the opportunity to learn from experts about FFI’s conservation programs and the international program based on Shackleton’s legendary leadership qualities, Shackleton’s Way. During the voyage we will also be involved in learning about the Antarctic's geography and wildlife as well as assisting with environmental monitoring.

You can read more about this voyage on the Shackleton Epic website, or read more about the work that Fauna & Flora International (FFI) carries out across the world on the FFI website. 

Please consider donating to FFI through Shackleton Epic.  

Warmest wishes and many thanks,

Jane