Antarctica by TheLuminaireTravel

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

A WORLD OF NEW PERSPECTIVES The Luminaire is more than a travel company, it is a collection of curious minds. We believe that understanding the world through a new lens has the power to positively transform our guests’ perspectives. Our unique destinations and properties are home to our Guild of leading experts, who build personal connections with each of our guests to create singular journeys of discovery that immerse them in all fields of culture, history, and the natural world. Each experience is as individual as the guest for whom it was created. We craft our voyages with care to protect the world for future generations, and to inspire others to do the same. Funded by 1% of our sales, The Luminaire Foundation’s aim is to protect the legacy and longevity of the places, people, and objects we explore.

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

A N TA RC T IC A THROUGH THE EYES OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST LIVING EXPLORER

The Luminaire guides you on a scientific expedition to explore the wildest place on earth. For the first time, the world’s greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, will join a private journey to Antarctica, recounting his extraordinary experiences in this unhospitable wilderness. On a single journey, the varied perspectives of glaciologists, marine biologists, ecologists and adventurers will coalesce to reveal deep and truly unique insights. With two helicopters and a submersible on board an expedition yacht, there will be no obstacles to the breadth of exploration across land and sea to uncover this region’s secrets.

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

E X P E RT S YOUR GUIDES IN THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE

SIR RANULPH FIENNES OBE THE WORLD’S GREATEST LIVING EXPLORER Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham Fiennes was born in 1944 and educated at Eton. He served with the Royal Scots Greys for a time before joining the SAS. In l968, he joined the Army of the Sultan of Oman and, in 1970, was awarded the Sultan’s Bravery Medal. Since 1969, when he led the British Expedition on the White Nile, Ranulph Fiennes has been at the forefront of many exploratory expeditions. Described in 1984 as the `World’s Greatest Living Explorer’, by the Guinness Book of Records, his expeditions around the world include: Transglobe (the first surface journey around the world’s polar axis) 1979-

ANTARCTICA

82; North Polar Unsupported Expedition (furthest North unsupported record) 1986; Anglo Soviet North Pole Expedition 199091; Co-leader of the Ubar Expedition (which in 1991 discovered Ptolemy’s lost Atlantis of the Sands, the frankincense centre of the world); leader of the Pentland South Pole Expedition (which achieved the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic Continent and the longest unsupported polar journey in history) 1992-93. Sir Ranulph’s expeditions have raised millions for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, which has enabled the building of Europe’s first MS Research Centre in Cambridge. In l993, he was awarded an OBE for ‘human endeavour and charitable services’. Sir Ranulph is also the author of several books, including his autobiography Living Dangerously; The Feather Men (UK number one bestseller); Atlantis of the Sands; Mind

Over Matter; Beyond the Limits; and his latest publication, Captain Scott, the bestselling biography of 2003. Sir Ranulph is the only explorer to receive a double clasp Polar Medal acknowledging both the Arctic and Antarctic achievements. He was awarded the second clasp by Her Majesty The Queen on 14th December 1995. In 1996, Sir Ranulph embarked on one of the world’s last significant unconquered challenges, to cross the whole of the Antarctic unsupported and single-handed. The Dyson Antarctica Solo raised huge sums for the charity, Breakthrough.

THE LUMINAIRE

PROFESSOR JULIAN A. DOWDESWELL, SC.D.

DR ARI FRIEDLAENDER

GLACIOLOGIST

MARINE BIOLOGIST

Julian Dowdeswell is Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Cambridge, and has recently retired as the Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute, a role he held for 20 years.

Ari is an ecologist with a primary interest in understanding the relationship between the foraging behaviour of marine mammals and their prey. He works on a wide range of marine mammal species, including baleen and toothed whales and dolphins, across a range of geographic regions. Ari has longterm ecological research projects ongoing in Alaska, California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Antarctica. He has helped develop tag technology and analytical and visualisation tools to better understand the underwater movements and behaviours of marine mammals.

He is a glaciologist, working on the form and flow of glaciers and ice caps and their response to climate change, and the links between former ice sheets and the marine geological record, using various satellite, airborne and shipborne geophysical tools. In a career of almost four decades, he has taught at the Universities of Aberystwyth, Bristol and Cambridge. From 2002 to 2021, he was Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute, including its Polar Museum, and and was Brian Buckley Fellow in Polar Science at Jesus College, Cambridge. He was awarded a Doctor of Science degree by Cambridge University in 2016. Julian was awarded the Polar Medal by Her Majesty The Queen for ‘outstanding contributions to glacier geophysics’ and has also received the Founder’s Gold Medal (2008) from the Royal Geographical Society. Dowdeswell Bay on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula has recently been named after Julian.

ANTARCTICA

For his dissertation research, Ari used geospatial tools to quantify how the distribution of cetaceans related to environmental variables in Antarctica. Ari’s lab focuses on developing new telemetry applications to elucidate the underwater behavior of marine mammals. In Antarctica, Ari is part of the Long-Term Ecological Research programme at Palmer Station to better understand the ecological roles of cetaceans in a rapidly changing environment.

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 1 DESCEND INTO THE WILDERNESS

Arrive in Santiago, Chile. A team awaits to ensure a seamless transfer to board the flight to the city of Puerto Natales. At Puerto Natales, transfer to a luxury Patagonian lodge in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, spend the evening acclimatising to Patagonia’s peaceful wilderness and relax in preparation for the expedition ahead.

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 2 EXPLORE AT YOUR OWN PACE

Wake up for a full day of exploration in Patagonia’s Torres del Paine, Chile’s largest National Park, covering seven hundred square miles with peaks of 2,884m and a population of only 714 inhabitants. Experience the spectacular scenery of lakes and glaciers, ride through pampas or hike mountain trails in the company of expert local guides. Choose an evening flight to witness the three iconic granite peaks that give the park its name, watch as they flame to deep orange in the setting sun. Sit around an open fire and relax into the gaucho way of life, listen to tales of capturing wild horses and enjoy an al fresco dinner of Patagonian BBQ straight from the fire.

ANTARCTICA

EXTEND YOUR STAY At your request, The Luminaire will curate a truly unique experience to pique your curiosity, whether it’s exploring the mountains of the Torres del Paine National Park, tracking the elusive puma, or experiencing Chile’s local life from the perspective of a Gaucho.

THE LUMINAIRE

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

LE G E N D SPECIFICATIONS LENGTH

BEAM

DRAFT

GUESTS

77.4M

13.5M

6.5M

CABINS

CREW

SPEED

12KT

ON-BOARD BALINESE SPA

WORLD-CLASS CHEFS

CINEMA

GYM

PIANO & WHISKY BAR

EXPEDITION FLEET LEGEND EXPEDITION YACHT

SUPPORT VESSEL

TENDERS & TOYS 1 SUBMARINE

2 HELICOPTERS

4 TENDERS

4 JET SKI

2 WATER SKI

4 KAYAKS

ANTARCTICA

8 DIVING EQUIPMENT

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 3 BRAVE SOULS PAVED THE WAY AHEAD: THE EXPEDITION BEGINS

A charter flies from Puerto Natales to King George Island to board the expedition superyacht, Legend. Measuring 77.4m in length with an ice-breaking hull, accommodation comprises eleven staterooms for up to 22 guests, with a helideck, a Balinese spa and a team of award-winning chefs. To enable Antarctic exploration without boundaries, expedition equipment onboard includes a submersible, expedition tenders, kayaks, diving and icediving equipment. Two helicopters provide the opportunity for air exploration to access remote parts of the Antarctic peninsula in this untouched continent. Legend departs and heads first to Deception Island, in the South Shetland Islands. Named Antarctica’s most active volcano, its unique horseshoe shape was created by one of the world’s largest calderas, now flooded by the sea. Cruise literally right into the heart of an active volcano, aware of molten lava bubbling 1,500m below, causing areas of the beach to steam.

ANTARCTICA

The very first authenticated sighting of Deception Island was in January 1820 by British explorers, William Smith and Edward Bransfield aboard their brig, ‘Williams’. Consider the vastly different journey these 19th Century sailors experienced to discover this dangerous new world aboard less sophisticated sailing boats. Take a courageous polar plunge from a zodiac boat to submerge in the ice-cold sea of Antarctica in complete contrast to the geothermal waters of Deception Island, warmed by molten lava flowing underneath. A helicopter flight over the island provides a panoramic view of the dramatic black and white panorama whilst delivering unique scientific insights into the history of landscape formation caused by volcanic eruptions. Between 1967-1970, the Chilean station at Pendulum Cove and the British station at Whalers Bay were destroyed by a succession of three volcanic eruptions, leaving just Argentina and Spain with operational summer scientific stations.

Enjoy a celebratory welcome dinner onboard with the entire team of experts, hear riveting accounts of their remarkable explorations in this vast and untouched region. Discover the details of Scott and Shackleton‘s expeditions, learn to appreciate the momentous mental and physical challenges overcome by those explorers who have experienced the wild and powerful forces of nature in the extreme. For families, children can enjoy a reading from the ‘Scott of the Antarctic’ and ‘Ernest Shackleton Antarctic Explorer’: by the author herself, Dr Evelyn Dowdeswell, to better understand the explorations that have taken place in the wilderness they are about to explore. Night Passage: Deception Island to Cierva Cove.

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 4 THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON ANTARCTIC ECOSYSTEMS

On the first day in Antarctica, wake up at Cierva Cove, along the west coast of Graham Land, to the sight of this magnificent glacial landscape, where the massive glacial face calves ice into the bay. A deeper appreciation of Antarctica is intrinsically linked to understanding the impact of climate change on its ecosystems. This is fully explained by Professor Julian Dowdeswell, Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute for twenty years and renowned glaciologist. This will include a discussion on the importance of actions needed to help reverse, where possible, this damage. Professor Dowdeswell illustrates how the icy world is a significant driver of the global climate system, from melting glaciers causing the rise of sea levels to the sea-ice formation and global ocean circulation. Antarctica, as the largest ice sheet on Earth and the most remote and least explored part of the globe, is a vital part of this system. “I have spent my whole adult life investigating glaciers and ice sheets, and it would be a pleasure to share the significance of the icy world with you.” Zodiac exploration with Professor Dowdeswell sheds light on the science behind the phenomenon of glacial calving as the ice plunges into the sea. Helicopter to the Sikorsky glacier, touch down and step onto a piece of the earth previously untrodden by any other human. Cross the ice in search of a glacial crevasse

ANTARCTICA

in the company of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Professor Dowdeswell and the mountain guides. Cruise south to Wilhelmina Bay through Graham Passage, named after the whale catcher ‘Graham,’ the first boat to pass through in March 1922, commanded by Captain Skidsmo. Participate in active marine research with marine biologist and conservationist Dr Ari Friedlaender, using fluke images matched to those held on a database, to determine the sighting history of individual whales including humpback, minke, and orca. The flukes, the two lobes of the whale’s tail, are as distinctive as fingerprints to the researcher, helping to identify the whales, their migratory destinations and connections with each other. Research observations will be undertaken both by helicopter and from the boat. At Enterprise Island, situated at the Northern end of Wilhelmina Bay, the remains of the shipwrecked vessel Gouvernøren, from 1916, are still partially visible, and now home to marine wildlife which offers the opportunity for zodiac exploration. Launch Legend’s submersible for the first underwater operation of this Antarctic journey. Explore the massive concentration of marine life on the seafloor, immersed in this underwater world as whales search for krill in the surrounding bays.

Dine with Sir Ranulph and listen to stories of great Antarctic explorers, including John Rymill, the Australian polar explorer who received the rare second clasp to his Polar Medal. Clasps are very rare and awarded if an additional medal is earned for polar expeditions. Sir Ranulph Fiennes is the only person to have received a clasp for both the Arctic and for Antarctica. Sip on wines from the Rymill family’s Australian vineyard and learn about Rymill’s British Graham Land Expedition in 1934, which led to his discovery of the permanently frozen channel, the George VI Sound. After dinner, Sir Ranulph recounts his own legendary expeditions in Antarctica, twice breaking the world record for crossing the entire continent unsupported on foot, and to be among the first unassisted team of three to make it from coast to coast. He shares photos and films, transporting listeners on the journey with him. Enjoy a screening of Sir Ranulph’s BFI/Netflix biographical documentary in Legend’s onboard cinema. In the very late evening, cruise through Wilhemina Bay. In the Antarctic summer months, enjoy the unusual sense of constant daylight until very late in the evening, observe marine wildlife from the comfort of the boat whilst the sun slowly descends, and witness the most spectacular sunset as day turns into night. Night Passage: Wilhelmina Bay to Port Lockroy.

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 5 PUSHING THE LIMITS OF HUMAN ENDURANCE

Wake in Port Lockroy. The exploration of Antarctica’s underwater world continues by submersible in Port Lockroy and Dorian Bay. Investigate with Dr Ari Friedlaender the dense marine activity found deep underneath the water, including the known site of a blue whale skeleton complete with a harpoon head embedded in its skull. The harsh reality of the whaling industry is demonstrated here. The broader historical context is central to recognising the economic value of the whaling industry. In the late 19th century the invention of the explosive harpoon brought further reach and accuracy to pursuing faster species of whale. The decline in whale numbers in the rest of the world led to the spread of hunting in the Antarctic, where large scale whaling became highly profitable. At its height, the industry contributed $10m (in 1880 dollars) to US GDP, the fifth largest economic sector of the time. An early morning helicopter flight over Anvers and Wiencke Island alongside expedition leader Jamie Watts, takes in the tallest mountain in the peninsula, Mt

ANTARCTICA

Francais (2,822 metres) and sheltered coasts teeming with marine wildlife. Cruising south through the Peltier Channel into the spectacular landscape of the Lemaire Channel, a scenic flight will deliver an exclusive view of a terrain rarely seen. Venture into the Lemaire Channel by zodiac for a personal experience of unparalleled beauty, the glass-like water reflecting perfectly the bright whiteness of surrounding snow-capped mountains. Learn with the onboard photographer new skills to help capture the essence of this incredible scene. At Deloncle Bay, embark on an exploratory flight over the Hotine Glacier with Professor Julian Dowdeswell. Travel in his company along with mountain guides in search of a crevasse. Under the careful supervision of mountain guides, gain a unique perspective by descending into the depths of this icy fissure.

Jamie Watts and the expedition team to land in the vicinity of Mt Shackleton, named for Sir Ernest Shackleton by the French Antarctic expedition in 1908-10. As the helicopters depart, the sound of propellors fades into silence, experience the profound stillness of the landscape, truly alone. Learn how to set up camp for the night in the harshest environment known to man. Digging holes in the snow for bivvy bags to sleep below the snow line offers protection from the elements for a truly authentic Antarctic expedition experience. Sip steaming hot toddies from flasks, settle in for an evening with Sir Ranulph and privileged insight into his memories of time spent in Antarctica. Camping in Antarctica experience subject to weather.

After dinner onboard, the ultimate Antarctic experience awaits: a night camping in Antarctica. Fly into the wilderness with Sir Ranulph Fiennes,

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 6 DISCOVER NEW GROUND

Enjoy amazing views on the flight southwards to join Legend in Waddington Bay, where piping hot coffee and breakfast awaits.

approximately eight thousand pairs of Adélie Penguins. How is climate change impacting the displacement of this species?

With a full day of freedom to roam the most scenic and southerly point of this Antarctic expedition, ecologist and expedition leader Jamie Watts leads a heli-hike through the untouched landscape to the north of Collins Bay. Explore unchartered mountains, participate in a survey to record their height, and submit data to the British Antarctic Survey.

An evening photography editing masterclass with the onboard photographer, reveals the techniques to enhance the striking colours of this vivid landscape.

In the company of Jamie, discover the remote Yalour islands. This group of islands and rocks is home to one of the largest rookeries in the area supporting

ANTARCTICA

Another opportunity for an Antarctic camping experience with Sir Ranulph Fiennes if the weather doesn’t permit on Day 4. End the evening with a film in the cinema, watch Sir Ranulph’s transglobe expedition film ‘To the Ends of the Earth’ alongside the man himself.

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 7 INSIGHT INTO TRUE ISOLATION

Legend repositions to the Argentine Islands in the Wilhelm archipelago of Antarctica. The British Graham Land Expedition had a base here in 1935 from where a thorough survey was conducted. A permanent base was established in 1947, with the main structure called ‘Wordy House’, which is now a protected historical site. The submersible launches for a wall dive with Dr Ari Friedlaender; an opportunity to observe the vast diversity of wildlife in close proximity to an underwater tower of ice known as the glacial wall. Choose further heli-hiking adventures in the mountains or enjoy the waters around Legend using kayaks or diving equipment. Visit the Vernadsky research base located at Marina Point on Galindez Island. The

ANTARCTICA

former Faraday British base, this the longest continuously-run base in Antarctica. Named after Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky, the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences founder, this former British base was sold to the Ukrainians 25 years ago for just one pound. Staffed by only 12 personnel, bring gifts of fresh fruit not seen by the staff in months, and lucky guests may come away with a home-brewed bottle of spirits or a hand-carved wooden sign of the name of the base. Enjoy a quiet dinner on board for the last evening in the south, and take the opportunity for rest and relaxation at the Balinese spa before the ship turns to head northwards. Night Passage: From Vernadsky to Paradise Harbour.

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 8 THE IMPACT OF HUMANS ON THE STRESS LEVELS OF WHALES

Arrive at Paradise Harbour via the remarkable Ferguson Channel, board zodiacs and cruise around this wide embayment encircled by snow-capped mountains and the blue-white glaciers of Skonthorp Cove.

untouched landscape, reveals the east of the peninsula and the ice-filled Weddel sea, the location where in 1915, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship ‘Endurance’ went down with ‘colours flying’.

Nearby, the Bryde channel offers an amazing opportunity for submersible exploration whilst adventure by helicopter to the east coast of Wiencke island is also available.

On return to Legend, watch the final moments of Endurance from historical footage captured by expedition photographer Frank Hurley, the ship finally overcoming after months of struggle against the crushing ice.

Join Dr Ari Friedlaender in his research to explore the impact of ambient sound levels and human noise on whales in Antarctica. Collect acoustic recordings in areas both with and without human presence, compare whale vocalisation rates to determine the impact of anthropogenic sound on whale communication. Comparing the stress hormone levels found in whales helps discover if noise pollution leads to increased distress. Comparisons from Antarctica can then be made with other regions of the world with greater levels of human presence. Legend repositions to Andvords Bay for a heli-hike to Mt Theodore, with unrivalled scenic vistas of the far-reaching white landscape of the Antarctic peninsula. A scenic flight with views of completely

ANTARCTICA

Relax on board as Legend cruises to Cuverville Island, a rocky volcanic habitat that is home to the largest Gentoo penguin rookery in Antarctica. For those preferring to explore the landscape, this location offers a wonderful opportunity to heli-hike to Mt. Britannia, named by Prince Phillip on his return from the Melbourne Olympics in 1956, and now a poignant memorial to his name. In the evening, Dr Ari Friedlaender gives enlightening insight into his research projects in Antarctica. Night passage: from Cuverville to Brabant Island.

THE LUMINAIRE

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 9 HOW CLEAN ARE THE WATERS OF ANTARCTICA?

Brabant Island, 59km long and 30km wide, is the second-largest within the Palmer archipelago of the British Antarctic territory. Ice-covered and described as notoriously inhospitable by the Joint Services expedition of 1984-85, with evidence of only six visits between 1984 and its initial discovery in 1898. Teeming with marine wildlife, this visit offers a final opportunity to enjoy the diverse underwater world of Antarctica in a submersible operation with ecologist Jamie Watts. Scientific collection of small blubber and skin samples from humpback and minke whales by Dr Ari Friedlaender determines the percentage of pregnant females within the population, relating to population growth and recovery. Contamination levels

ANTARCTICA

in blubber are compared with similar samples in other global marine habitats to determine how ‘clean’ the Antarctic waters are by comparison. From a safe distance, Dr Ari Friedlaender’s collection of samples can be observed throughout the voyage, followed by a discussion on the importance of his research, as samples are frozen in the storage onboard to be analysed back at the laboratory. During the 15-hour journey back to King George Island, review the incredible array of images captured during this week-long adventure in the white desert. A celebratory farewell dinner party with the experts, prepared by the boat’s world-class chefs, rounds off the day.

THE LUMINAIRE

DAY 1 0 DEPART THE WHITE DESERT

Wake up in King George Island, bid farewell to Legend, and board a private charter to Puerto Arenas before taking a domestic flight to Santiago. For those wanting to extend their adventure in Patagonia, the flight can be chartered to Puerto Natales.

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

ENLIGHTENED TRAVEL, SHAPED BY YOU Choose a location anywhere on earth, from the cultural hubs of Europe to the wilds of Patagonia, and share your passions with us. Whether your interest lies in the classical roots of history and art, following the trail of Renaissance masters across Italy, or your curiosity is piqued by science or the natural world, discovering the deep connectivity of trees in an ancient rainforest, a Guild of experts will add substance and purpose to one-off experiences, shaped by you. The Luminaire shares private access, selects properties of historical or cultural provenance, and creates engaging and accessible ways to participate and learn, for a community of curious minds, young and old.

ANTARCTICA

THE LUMINAIRE

WHEN TO TRAVEL AUTUMN

SUMMER

ANTARCTICA

WINTER

SPRING

Travel to Antarctica is best in the summer months between December and February when the days are at their longest, and the temperatures are at their highest, mostly above zero. These months also offer the best opportunity to observe the abundance of wildlife this region has to offer.

THE EXPEDITION TEAM

CONTACT

Sir Ranulph Fiennes: The world’s greatest living explorer

Darrel Day Assistant expedition leader

Julian Dowdeswell Glaciologist

Tim Blakemore IFMGA mountain guide

December: witness the most spectacular ice bergs as the sea ice melts and breaks up after the long winter months. Humpback whales being to arrive following a long migration from the tropics.

Evelyn Dowdeswell Glacial geologist & children’s author

Germán González Mountain guide & kayak guide

Ari Friedlander Marine biologist

Veronique Verhoeven Expedition doctor

January: temperatures are as their highest and orca and humpback whales are more regularly seen. The warmer temperature and longer days increase the opportunity for exploration on land.

Jamie Watts Expedition leader, ecologist, marine biologist, dive guide & climate change presenter

Etienne Garcia & Charbel Daher Ice pilots

paul@theluminaire.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS All elements in the itinerary, including the expedition team, are subject to availability at the time of booking. The itinerary is subject to change pending weather and safety conditions. Full terms and conditions will be sent at the time of booking.

February: temperatures are still warm but start to decline. This is the best month to observe marine wildlife with whale sightings at their highest; Minke and Humpback whales become more curious having had time to feed in December and January.