„I believe it is in our nature to explore,
to reach out into the unknown.“
Sir Ernest Shackleton
Sailing SOUTH – Sailing in the footsteps of Shackleton in the Southern Ocean
Background
Sailing in Shackleton’s footsteps to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is probably a dream for many people.
I had this dream too. Ever since I sailed around the world with the explorers between two book covers as a child, I have had this longing for the vast oceans and remote corners of the world, especially those in the high latitudes.
In 2022, I launched the ‘Sailing SOUTH 2024’ project. A privately initiated expedition to organise and realise this very special journey for myself and others.
The time had come at the beginning of February 2024. After almost two years of organisation full of enthusiasm and perseverance and thanks to the enthusiasm of some curious, daring fellow travellers and the polar sailing enthusiasts from Selma Expeditions, a personal dream became a joint adventure and a successful expedition in the footsteps of Shackleton: 45 unforgettable days and 3,078 nautical miles in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica lay in our wake at the end.
But – as is the nature of expeditions – not all our plans worked out: nature threw a spanner in the works.
Shackleton and his men were thwarted by the ice in 1914, we were thwarted 110 years later by bird flu, which thwarted our goal of reaching South Georgia. Instead, we ventured into the Weddell Sea and were able to discover many remote and little-known places and coasts – off the beaten track and away from the usual Antarctic destinations. As planned, we followed in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men, reached Point Wild on Elephant Island and arrived on the Falkland Islands happy, rich in shared experiences and as a close-knit team.
However, the goal of South Georgia has not been given up. The dream is not yet over.
And now the time has come: there are new plans for 2026!
Two years after Sailing SOUTH 2024, another 110 years after Shackleton set foot on this storm-tossed, remote island in the Southern Ocean, I would like to make another attempt and organise two expeditions to South Georgia.
Sailing South 2026
The journey in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton continues
After the expedition is before the expedition
As soon as we arrived in Stanley harbour, it was clear that this couldn’t be it By the time we left the Falkland Islands, the first ideas for a continuation of Sailing SOUTH 2024 were slowly taking shape in our heads.
We still have a score to settle with South Georgia, the Falkland Islands are definitely worth a trip of their own and an adventure in their own right There are so many remote islands, unspoilt coastlines and fantastic wildlife to discover here.
The team from Selma Expeditions – who became friends after our adventure together – were immediately on board.
We want to set sail together again, following in Shackleton’s footsteps.
Sailing SOUTH 2026. Under sail to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
On a ski expedition, we want to literally follow in Shackleton’s footsteps, follow his tracks across the central mountains and cross the island, just like the boss did during the spectacular rescue operation of his team on the Endurance expedition 110 years earlier. Of course, under completely different conditions and with modern means.
On a second sailing expedition, we want to discover the inaccessible coasts and bays of South Georgia, the spectacular glaciers and the unique biodiversity of this sub-Antarctic island. We will then set course for the remote coasts and countless islands of the Falkland Islands.
Two great adventures on a small sailing yacht. Into one of the most remote, wildest and most beautiful sailing areas in the world. These expeditions offer a rare and extraordinary opportunity to get to know South Georgia and the Falkland Islands in a very personal way and with plenty of time to explore in a way that is not possible with a larger ship or cruise ship.
Curious?
The team is not yet complete and I am looking for curious, daring, seaworthy fellow sailors with enough time and a suitable budget who are ready to fulfil a big dream of their own and embark on this adventure with me.
ski & sailing south georgia 2026
CROSSING WITH SKIS AND SLEDGES ON THE SHACKLETON ROUTE
Sailing and skiing expedition
in Shackleton’s footsteps
We want to follow Shackleton through the magnificent ice and glacier world of South Georgia and cross the island on skis and pulka sledges.
I am particularly pleased to have the experienced Swiss adventurer and Arctic traveller Thomas Ulrich on the team as expedition leader for this project.
We will follow in Shackleton’s footsteps and those of the old whaling stations, as well as discovering the unspoilt landscape and globally unique biodiversity of this sub-Antarctic island.
Sailing south 2026
SOUTH GEORGIA AND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
Sailing expedition to the Antarctic oasis of South Georgia and the natural paradise of the Falklands
The natural paradise of South Georgia is considered one of the most remote and wildest places on earth. The alpine peaks of the central mountain range rise almost 3,000 metres out of the sea. Even in summer, almost 75% of the island is covered in snow, ice and glaciers.
Because of the large number of seabirds, penguins and seals that raise their young here, the island is also known as the Antarctic oasis. The marine ecosystem is considered to be one of the most biodiverse on earth.
The Falkland Islands are a real gem. The remote archipelago is considered a challenging sailing area in the South Atlantic. Its numerous, largely uninhabited islands can often only be reached by boat. They entice visitors with magnificent wide landscapes, rugged coastlines, paradisiacal beaches, plenty of wind, magnificent skies and magical light.
A natural paradise with fantastic sub-Antarctic wildlife is waiting to be discovered here – Antarctica light, you could say: numerous species of penguins, seals, elephant seals, whales, dolphins, albatrosses and other seabirds populate the islands.
OUR route
Our planned route leads from Stanley (East Falkland) to South Georgia and from there back to the Falkland Islands. On the way to South Georgia we will cross the Antarctic Convergence.
In total, we will sail between 1,700 and 2,000 nautical miles on the stormiest of oceans through the furious 50s and along the spectacular, wild and remote coasts of these two sub-Antarctic islands.
THE SAILING VESSEL
SELMA EXPEDITIONS
OUR SHIP
Our ship is the Polish yacht ‘Selma’ Expeditions.
Selma is the perfect boat for our expedition:
Robust, equipped for safe and independent navigation on long-distance cruises in high latitudes and remote areas.
Arctic and Antarctic proven. Countless nautical miles in her wake. Including Sailing SOUTH 2024.
OUr team
SAILING SOUTH 2026
The Sailing SOUTH 2026 Team
Piotr Kuzniar
Selma Expeditions
Co-owner and skipper of the Selma,
expedition leader
Christiane Paula Dalcolmo
Sailing SOUTH Expeditions
Idea, initiative, organisation Sailing SOUTH;
Co-expedition leader
Thomas Ulrich
Explorer
Expedition Leader Ski Expedition South Georgia on the Shackleton Crossing
wOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PART OF IT ?
Latest News
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Sailing SOUTH 2026 – Adventurers wanted!
Read more: Sailing SOUTH 2026 – Adventurers wanted!After the expedition is before the expedition Sailing SOUTH 2026 – sailors and adventurers wanted! Sailing SOUTH 2024 is history. But the adventure continues!We have not given up on our goal of reaching South Georgia and our dream…
