Team eyes Shackleton polar trek

16 September 2011 11:57

Joanne Davies who hopes to become the first woman to complete the trans-Atlantic crossing

Joanne Davies who hopes to become the first woman to complete the trans-Atlantic crossing

Six explorers are hoping to complete Sir Ernest Shackleton's ambitious trans-Atlantic crossing a hundred years after the original expedition.

Among them is the first woman to ever attempt the Antarctic adventure - Joanne Davies, a 32-year-old from Cornwall.

She will co-lead the The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Centenary Expedition which will set off on the arduous trek in 2014 along the route Sir Ernest had planned to take.

Ms Davies believes the team is going to be kept "incredibly busy" for the next three years as they plan and train for the challenge.

Their preparations are likely to include hunting for an iron-clad travel insurance cover for the trek from Weddell Sea to Ross Sea across the South Pole - a route the original adventurers were unable to complete.

Also leading the team will be Royal Navy petty officer Sebastian Coulthard, from Worcestershire.

They expect to start in summer 2014 and complete the challenge in 100-120 days.

Ms Davies said: "The team are determined to complete the mission that Shackleton once set out to achieve."

Latest news

More
NEWS HOME NEWS ARCHIVE
Get a Quote
Even with medical screening it's quick and easy online.
Or call us on 0345 90 80 161
Get quote
Click here if you are a non UK resident or have already travelled.