Elite Traveler Fall 2019

FOR THE ADVENTURER LEGEND IN ANTARCTICA

Vast, snow-covered land stretching as far as the eye can see, not another human in sight, gargantuan icebergs and rich wildlife — it’s no surprise Antarctica is on any serious adventurer’s wish list. To explore the mystical continent in all its glory, you need a vessel that’s up to the task. Legend has an ice-breaking hull and is able to charter in the harshest of environments with excellent stability and a range of 7,640 nautical miles. On board, you’ll find a fully equipped gym; Balinese spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and treatment room; piano and whisky bar; 14-seat cinema; medical suite; and a 16-person main deck Jacuzzi with a waterfall. The weeklong charter begins with a flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island, the main island of the South Shetland Islands. Board Legend and journey out into the Bransfield Strait and south along the Antarctic Peninsula. Marvel at the enormous icebergs and keep your eyes peeled for chinstrap penguins. Travel on to the Gerlache Strait, where you’ll likely see majestic humpback whales; if you’re lucky, you might see one break up through the water’s surface and crash back down — it is a sight to behold. Drop anchor at Orne Harbor and hike up through mainland Antarctica to admire the incredible views overlooking the bay, then cruise through the Neumayer Channel to Port Lockroy for a truly special evening: a night dive on board a submersible. The next day, the team from Port Lockroy will board Legend for an introductory briefing on behalf of UK Antarctic Heritage Trust: Four women live in this remote outpost for four months a year with no running water and just solar electricity. Go ashore and see the protected base site (now a museum), Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, to learn about Antarctica wildlife in a lecture led by an expert. There are more opportunities to explore the depths with submersible dives: Reaching depths of up to 200 ft, you’ll see starfish, coral and octopus. To see the land wildlife, head to Jougla Point on Wiencke Island and spot gentoo penguins and their adorably fluffy chicks. Back on board, the truly brave can plunge into the polar waters and celebrate their bravery with champagne in the hot tub.

You will then traverse through the Neumayer Channel to Deloncle Bay and see leopard, weddell and crabeater seals. Want to get a little closer to the wildlife? Launch the two Zodiac tenders and one limo-style tender and drift through the icy waters, getting as close as 10 ft to the animals. Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll travel through the Lemaire Channel — it’s nicknamed ‘Kodak Gap’ for a reason. For the next few days, launch the Zodiacs again and search for humpback whales; cruise through the Gerlache Strait; explore the Governoren wreck by kayak; and go on land to explore beaches — look out for arctic fur seals. From $519,000 per week. Contact Tom DeBuse, charter manager, experience@y.co, +377 935 012 12, y.co LOA 254 ft Number of guests 26 in 13 cabins Crew 19 crew (additional 10 expedition staff available) Builder IHC Verschure/Icon Yachts Year of build 1974/2015 Outstanding features Ice-breaking hull, helideck, submersibles, snowmobiles