In 1916, legendary polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and 5 companions completed an incredible journey sailing a small rowing boat, the James Caird across 800 miles of the roughest ocean in the world from Elephant Island, Antarctica, to the mountainous island of South Georgia. On reaching South Georgia, Shackleton and 2 men then scaled the island’s precipitous peaks with virtually no equipment to reach a remote whaling station. Shackleton’s original goal had been to become the first man to cross Antarctica. With the sinking of his ship Endurance in the pack ice of the Weddell Sea, it instead became a journey of survival, both for the 6 men in the James Caird and the 22 men left behind on Elephant Island, whose rescue depended on their success.
Renowned Antarctic explorer and environmental scientist Tim Jarvis, who led the expedition that recreated the survival journey of famed Australian polar explorer Sir Douglas Mawson will lead The Shackleton Epic Expedition. The Mawson recreation by Jarvis was the subject of an award-winning Australian Broadcast Company documentary titled “Mawson: Life and Death in Antarctica” which was also aired in the U.K. as part of the highly acclaimed “Edge of Endurance” series. Tim has also written two chapters of an academic book on Environmental Management for the Open University (S175 The Frozen Planet) to be delivered in conjunction with the BBC’s Frozen Planet series with David Attenborough which is currently on BBC1.
To this day, no-one has successfully completed Shackleton’s ‘double’ – the voyage followed by the mountain climb. Tim Jarvis will be heading-up the team that will attempt the journey under the patronage of The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter and closest living relative of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Dubbed “The Shackleton Epic”, the expedition will set sail from Elephant Island in an authentic replica of the James Caird now stored at Portland Marina. They will use only 1916 technology, food, and equipment.
The construction of a replica James Caird began in June 2008 and discussions are underway with NZ, UK, Australian and Irish broadcasters with regards a documentary. In the spirit of the way Shackleton recruited his team for the original expedition, Petty Officer Seb Coulthard, Royal Navy, was recruited by Jarvis after an international appeal for volunteers. At the request of expedition Patron, The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton, PO Coulthard FRGS will be representing the Royal Navy as a tribute to her grandfather’s leadership, and the brave spirit of the men who accompanied him
Dean & Reddyhoff, have always maintained strong links with the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm. When Seb requested assistance from Portland Marina, we were happy to strengthen and maintain those ties. Osprey Quay as most readers will know now occupies the site of HMS Osprey, a former helicopter base that relocated to RNAS Yeovilton in 1999. A ferocious Royal Navy Lynx helicopter restored by Seb and other engineers at RNAS Yeovilton stands as Gate Guardian to the marina, in her stunning Black Cat livery.
It is no accident that Portland and Weymouth has been chosen to host the sailing events for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and it is hoped that many visitors will be able to see the ‘Alexandra Shackleton’ and meet her crew during the many events that will take part at the marina next year.
The project is seeking additional sponsorship and support from corporate sponsors, local businesses and individuals alike to assist with completion of the funding of the expedition costs (the expedition costs are separate to the documentary costs). A breakdown of expedition costs and the opportunities associated with sponsorship can be obtained by contacting Tim Jarvis or PO Coulthard. Sponsorship opportunities and benefits include wide international media exposure, and presentations to staff and clients of sponsoring organisations.
This is a unique sponsorship opportunity to unite the local maritime community of Portland and Weymouth. The direct benefits of sponsorship include but are not restricted to extensive media exposure via television, the Internet, radio, product promotion, and an extensive international lecture program conducted by Tim Jarvis. The expedition documentary and book will be produced and distributed worldwide ensuring both very high levels of exposure and shelf-life.
Shackleton’s voyage is often cited as one of the greatest open boat journeys ever accomplished by man. This will be the first time in over 90 years that a team of explorers has set out to re-enact the epic voyage.
Enquiries regarding sponsorship opportunities and benefits should be directed to: Tim Jarvis (Shackleton Epic Expedition Leader): tim@timjarvis.org or Petty Officer Seb Coulthard (Expedition Bosun): sebcoulthard@hotmail.com
