Our Voyaging Style
By way of introduction a word about our style of
voyaging and some factors to take into account when planning to charter from
Pelagic Expeditions.
Our Style
Although the Pelagics are charter vessels, we
like to think of our voyages in terms of 'expeditioning' rather than
'charter cruising'. The latter might conjure up visions of inactivity, rum
and tonic sunsets and subservient behaviour paid to the guests by the
professional crew.
Instead, our aim is give the crew (our guests) a sense of participation in
all facets of operating a small vessel in a remote area. The following
perspective is one I like to pass on:
"When you have to do your own dishes you're on an expedition, if not, you
are chartering."
The vessels will always have a dedicated cook/mate, so if necessary meals
will be prepared throughout, although everyone is encouraged to try their
hand in the galley.
Crew prepared alfresco dinner
Washing up after meals, however, is taken in turn. On deck, everyone will be
expected to do a bit of steering, sail handling and help with launching and
re-embarking the dinghy. No prior experience is needed for any of these
activities.
Both vessels are fully equipped for comfort. It is dry and warm below, there
are proper bunks and spacious head compartments with hot water showers. We
have a library and a good selection of music. In short, it is eminently
suitable for expedition sailing in extreme environments.
Accomodation on Pelagic Australis. Vinson of Antarctica is more comfortable still.
They are not, however, luxury 'yachts' in the sense they have no varnish work or fancy stainless steel fittings on deck, nor hardwood veneer bulkheads below. One client recently complained we had no shaver socket in the head. Well, we probably never will! Our philosophy is simplicity. When you keep a boat mechanically simple, you spend less time with your 'head in the bilge' and have more time to enjoy where you are going.
Planning and Organisational Responsibilities
We are principally a logistic and support service. Although we do offer
suggested itineraries as outlined in the option pages, we are not a travel
agent.
We can give advice with travel plans, but all arrangements, bookings,
permits etc, are the responsibility of the client.
For areas requiring special permits, i.e. South Georgia and Antarctica, we
will give advice, refer clients to some of the relevant authorities and give
environmental guidelines. However, it is the clients responsibility to find
out if they need permits from their national authorities (and any other
clearances such as visas etc) for their expedition's land based activities
e.g. travel to and from ports of embarkation/disembarkation, climbing,
skiing, science projects etc.
Pelagic Expeditions will apply for and obtain its own permit as a carrier
with the UK Foreign Office.
In the event the client cannot obtain a permit as required by his national
authority (or other relevant clearances/documentation) this will not
constitute a basis for refund of any deposits paid.
The Possibility of Failure
Although our track record is well established, the possibility of failure
and danger is by our definition implicit in an expedition. Otherwise it
would not be an adventure!
Therefore we can give no guarantees that any expedition or group will reach
its objectives. We will make our best efforts to stick to a client's
itinerary as agreed beforehand, but the possibility of modifications because
of: weather, the limitations of a small sailing vessel and the skipper's
final say on decisions affecting safety, amongst other factors, must be
accepted by the client.
Voyaging with Pelagic Expeditions is a true adventure where uncertainty is a
key element in defining the quality of your experience. If you are looking
for an arranged package, a more guaranteed itinerary and consequently a less
intense and personal experience, we would be delighted to refer you to one
of the many cruise ship companies that service these areas.
Skip Novak
