World Record Attempt In Antarctica
The Outer Edge Polar Challenge team plans to travel approximately 4500 kilometres unsupported in their custom designed and built snow / ice sailers from the edge of the Antarctic polar plateau to the geographic South Pole, then returning directly or via the Pole of Inaccessibility in as little as 45 days.
The team includes owner and Managing Director of Adventure Publishing Pty Ltd Charles Werb, and Kristan Fischer an expedition leader and resident adventure guru.
They’ll be departing for their return trip from the Polar Plateau, south of the Russian Base at Novolazarevskaya (Novo) and sail directly to the geographic South Pole, a one way distance of approximately 2100km with an increase in elevation of over 2000m. After departing from the Novo base in their two snow/ ice sailers, they’ll be aiming to cover as much ground as possible each day, dependent on the conditions. Once the team reach the South Pole, they will either return directly or via the Pole of Inaccessibility (a further 500km).
During the round trip they’ll be completely self sufficient, carrying their own food, fuel and enough supplies to keep them alive for up to 90 days, however they’re hoping to do it in as little as 45 days.
Through doing this expedition the Outer Edge Polar Challenge Team are aiming to:
- Prove that snow/ ice sailing and wind powered travel is a viable and environmentally friendly means of travel and transportation in Antarctica.
- Raise funds to support the Leukaemia Foundation.
- Challenge the current world ice sailing speed record.
- Challenge the current world record for distance covered unassisted and wind powered in a 24 hour period in Antarctica.
Gondwana is proud to be supporting an expedition of this nature and we are keenly following their journey as they plan to set sail for Antartica latter this year.
You can too at www.outeredgepolarchallenge.com.au.