Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition is one of the greatest survival stories in history and has inspired adventurers across every continent over three generations. Now, ten hardy souls from around the world are being sought to participate in its re-enactment in January and February next year.
 
In honour of Sir Ernest’s remarkable 800 nautical mile voyage across the Southern Ocean, from Elephant Island to South Georgia, and his crossing of its mountainous interior, the Shackleton Epic expedition will sail Alexandra Shackleton – a purpose-built, exact replica of Shackleton’s 22.5-foot (6.9m) lifeboat, James Caird – across the same stretch of open ocean and then attempt to cross the rugged peaks of South Georgia.
 
Shackleton Epic has made available on a ‘first-come’ basis, ten berths on the expedition support vessel TS Pelican*, which is similar in size to Shackleton’s original expedition ship Endurance.

So, if you are a “hardy soul, have good sea legs and the financial means for an eight-week historic voyage,” apply now. Berths go on sale tomorrow, Friday 7 September at 12 Noon BST.
 
“A berth on TS Pelican as part of the Shackleton re-enactment is the stuff of childhood dreams,” explained Tim Jarvis, the expedition leader (pictured). “We are thrilled that Shackleton enthusiasts and members of the public looking for adventure will be able to participate in this historic and authentic re-enactment voyage. Imagine telling your family or friends that you’ve secured a berth and will be sailing to Antarctica with us on the expedition support vessel.”
 
How to get involved

Those wishing to secure a berth need to register their interest from tomorrow at www.shackletonepic.com. Passengers will need to make an immediate deposit of £635 (US$1,000) in order to secure a berth, with full payment of the balance of £18,390 (US$29,000) to be paid 90 days prior to departure.
 
Once aboard TS Pelican – departing on 3 January from Punta Arenas, Chile – the voyage crew will sail the support vessel south, past historic Cape Horn and across the infamous Drake Passage. There will be time to explore the magnificent Antarctic Peninsula, making a continental landing if conditions allow, before rendezvousing with Alexandra Shackleton crew in the South Shetland Islands as they make their way to Elephant Island for departure.
 
As Alexandra Shackleton crosses the Southern Ocean from Elephant Island to South Georgia, TS Pelican will provide a filming platform as well as communications and safety support to the expedition.

The voyage cost includes all meals and accommodation for the approximately 56-day sailing adventure from Punta Arenas to the Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island, South Georgia and Rio. Here voyage crew will witness the Alexandra Shackleton team set off to follow Shackleton’s footsteps across the mountainous interior of South Georgia, from King Haakon Bay to the former whaling station at Stromness. TS Pelican will continue to act in support in South Georgia and will join in celebrating the expedition’s success on a pilgrimage to Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken. It will then sail ‘homeward bound’ to Rio de Janeiro.
 
While under sail, voyage crew will participate in shipboard activities, learning about navigation, practical seamanship and meteorology and will have the opportunity to hear from experts about FFI’s (Shackleton Epic Conservation Partner, Fauna & Flora International) conservation programs.
 
Any would-be explorers who miss out on a berth from Punta Arenas can consider sailing aboard TS Pelican from the UK to Punta Arenas during September, October, November and December. Individual or all legs of this journey are on offer: Weymouth to Lisbon; Lisbon to Las Palmas; Las Palmas to Salvador; Salvador to Punta Arenas. Contact TS Pelican directly at www.adventureundersail.com.

Five British and Australian adventurers will join expedition leader Tim Jarvis, AM FRGS. These are:

Skipper Nick Bubb: Professional offshore sailor, accomplished round-the-world yacht racer including Volvo Ocean Race and Oryx Quest. Mechanical engineer. Lives in Lymington, UK. 33 years of age.

Mountain Leader WO2 Barry Gray RM: The Royal Marine’s mountain leader chief instructor. Brings extensive experience climbing and mountaineering on South Georgia, Deception Island and across Antarctica. Lives Plymouth, Devon. 38 years of age.

Sailor and Navigator Paul Larsen: Offshore sailor with 100,000+ miles and seven world records. Winner of a non-stop circumnavigation in the Oryx Quest and of a double-handed lap of Britain with Pete Goss on the 30ft Seacart trimaran. Project leader/pilot for the Vestas SailRocket Project, a realisation of Paul’s ultimate dream to sail the fastest boat on the planet – the goal being firmly in Paul’s sights. Lives Weymouth, UK (grew up in Victoria, Australia). 42 years of age.

Expedition Bosun 2ND Petty Officer Seb Coulthard RN FRGS: Representing the Royal Navy. Coulthard’s previous naval postings span half the globe including the Southern Ocean and some of the most inhospitable regions on earth. Lives Bewdley, Worcestershire. 30 years of age.

Expedition Cameraman Ed Wardle: Adventurer, experienced high altitude mountaineer and Arctic explorer. Wardle, who has summited Mt Everest twice, is a documentary filmmaker, series producer and camera operator. Lives London. 41 years of age.

Reserve Paul Swain: Experienced sailor with qualifications in marine environmental science. Assistant manager for Dean & Reddyhoff Marinas’ Portland Marina, the venue for the 2012 Olympic Games. Lives Portland, UK. 27 years of age.

*TS Pelican is traditionally-rigged with three masts. Her main mast barquentine rig and sail plan is derived from fast-sailing Barbary Coast pirate ships.  Other similarities to Shackleton’s Endurance include length and displacement, average speed and 28 crew.