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expedition sail home >> charter schedule >> antarctica || south georgia

expedition yacht seal

sailboat charters to antarctica & south georgia

"... a Cape Horner for the 21st century ..." Ocean Navigator, 2007

Welcome aboard Seal

Join us, as we put new soundings on the chart and explore hidden coves, relax in the raised saloon after a climb, or tie up right off the beach for the best views of wildlife.

With over 14 years sailing in high latitudes, Hamish Laird is one of the most experienced skippers in the business, and he has put that knowledge into all the details of the SEAL.

* A tough aluminum sailboat to support high-latitude expeditions

* Lifting keel & rudder for safety and convenience in uncharted waters

* Raised saloon with 360-degree views to make the most of the amazing scenery

-- Hamish & Kate Laird

film-making * mountaineering * birdwatching * hiking * general tourism
expedition support * scuba diving * sail training * scientific research

Discounted rates for scientific research projects

Looking for an adventure this year or next? Email us to find out what's open.

"Both [Kate and Hamish] are first-class seamen. I quickly develop a great respect for their quiet competence, their knowledge of the boat, and their love of the area."
-- Peter Nielsen in Sail, November 2007

"It is not hard to imagine sailing to Antarctica or any other place on earth aboard Seal." -- Andy O'Grady in Ocean Navigator, March-April 2007

latest news from SEAL:

28 December -- SEAL is en route to South Georgia for a six week survey of the plant and insect life on the island. Follow the story in the blog.

Thinking about next season? Only one space remains for Antarctica next season 2009-2010 with individual berths priced at $15,000 US. Join us from 9 February to 12 March 2010. Email or phone for more information.

And why would you do this? Well, MSNBC says it beautifully on its "Bucket List" of 15 things you must do before you die:

"11. Sail in Antarctica

"The trip: For anyone who grouses that adventure travel has become too soft, meet the Seal. The 56-foot-long aluminum cutter has no plasma TVs, no marble tubs, no Bose surround-sound speaker system. Instead, the six-passenger Seal is specially fitted for the Antarctic, with a swing-up keel to handle groundings and with watertight, well, everything. During this month-long trip through Antarctica, guests can focus on peeping at penguin colonies, iceberg-clogged coves, and frozen islands. Imagine the constant groan and splash of glaciers and the feel of the southernmost earth beneath your feet as you disembark to explore dormant volcanoes. The sail starts and ends in Puerto Williams, Chile, [or Ushuaia, Argentina] with a good measure of true adventure, such as when passengers harness themselves to the deck to take on Cape Horn and the Drake Passage. Nearly 24-hour daylight can make sleeping a distant thought, but the wine-stocked galley, hot showers, and private cabins add just enough softness to really enjoy the adventure.

"Why go? It's the most impressive--and most genuine--way to visit Antarctica.

"What to pack: A permit for any research you'd like to conduct on the seventh continent: This is a real expedition, with fellow crew members likely to be taking notes on marine biology, geology, and more. [Well, that and foulies and lots of fleecegarments!]

"Difficulty: 6.8 out of 10. There may be vino on board, but this is no booze cruise. Sailors should be prepared to handle frigid, treacherous conditions and to help out with daily boat work.

"Your guides: Kate and Hamish Laird, sailors as tough as their boat. They've been exploring Antarctica for more than 20 years and have logged 26,000 safe miles on the Seal."

Actually, that's 16 years for Hamish and 5 for Kate, and SEAL has now logged more than 35,000 sea miles. Email or phone for more information.

all pages © Kate & Hamish Laird 1999-2008

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