We are busy stowing gear and stores under blue spring skies preparing to head off in a few days time for what is considered one of the classic sea voyages.

On November 4 we depart Auckland, New Zealand with 8 on board to set sail across the Southern Ocean for Ushuaia, Argentina. The ages of our crew range from our 10 year old daughter to our 63 year old mate David, mostly New Zealanders with the odd Dutchman thrown in, and includes three females and 5 males. We will call in at the Chatham Islands 3-4 days sail from Auckland. From there the plan is to cross at approx. 50 degrees until we are about half way across and then head South to round Cape Horn. We are anticipating a crossing of approx. 30 days arriving early December.

Our next charter starts on January 2, 1999 when we will pick up the Young Australian Antarctic Expedition (6 climbers) from Ushuaia and take them to the Antarctic Peninsula where they intend to climb the so far unclimbed Pilcher Peak. Our ETA back in Ushuaia is 5 February and we currently have space available for possible charters around Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean channels for February or March.

Best regards, Bunny, Henk and Ruby