High Latitude Consultancy
Fending off a bergy bit from the side of Hetairos
In their desire for an expedition experience to remote locations, large luxury yachts are now reaching out far beyond the traditions of the Mediterranean summer and the Caribbean winter. As these areas get more and more crowded, owners and captains are obliged to develop alternative itineraries which can be part of a world cruise. High latitude voyaging is becoming increasingly popular, and the Southern Ocean features highly with destinations like Tierra del Fuego, the Falklands Islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and the island of South Georgia.
Pelagic Expeditions has been offering a consultancy to owners and captains since 1993 for these high latitude destinations and has also expanded her remit to the high Arctic. Past clients which were some of the first super yachts to visit the deep south include Metolius, Hetairos, Passe-Partout, Adix, Mertsi-Louise, Kentra, Galileo and Chay Blyth’s Challenge Business.
When contacted Skip Novak will liaise with the owner or captain to determine the cruise’s requirements, the style of cruising and any to discuss the feasibility of any special activities that are desired (hiking, camping, skiing, diving). Based on this Pelagic Expeditions will tender a fixed cost for the consultancy package which includes but is not limited to:
>> drafting and submitting permit applications where required
>> providing a brief on environmental considerations and waste management
>> providing an Expedition Leader (field guide) and/or an Ice Pilot
>> provide a mountain guide if needed
>> suggesting detailed itineraries
>> vetting special equipment needed
>> providing chart lists >> giving tips on weather analysis
>> providing reference and literary booklists
>> providing a list of personal contacts in various ports who can be of assistance
>> providing protocols on medical emergencies
>> providing protocols for an emergency contingency plan
>> suggesting clothing and personal gear lists
>> providing updates prior and during the cruise A Field Operations Manual will be produced and sent to the owner/captain in PDF format including but not limited to the above information.
Skip Novak can meet with the captain and owner prior to the cruise if necessary.
Note: It is now legally binding that every visiting expedition or cruise to the Antarctic be permitted by their national authority, i.e. via registration of the vessel, or if a flag of convenience, by the nationality of the owner, captain or management company.
Pelagic Expeditions, as a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), can apply for the permit as the ‘organizer’ of the expedition/cruise, via the UK Foreign Office. This will allow a stream of all the necessary members only information to be available to the vessel, administered by the Expedition Leader.
This will in effect satisfy all Antarctic Treaty requirements and insure that the cruise is operating under the best possible environmental practices. Skip Novak also sits on the Panel of Experts for the South Georgia government, vetting and advising them on private expeditions.
REFERENCES The owners and captains of Metolius, Hetairos, Passe-Partout, Adix, Kentra, Galileo and Mertsie-Louise. Alice Huisman, Ron Holland, Ed Dubois, Tony Castro, Jens Cornelsen, Butch Dalrymple-Smith, MCM Newport and Chay Blyth.
