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EUROPA reaches most southern point ever!

After a calm night close to Vernadsky research station, we pushed a bit more south.

South, in the direction of the south-pole circle. After we left the calm of the sheltered islands near Vernadsky, we quickly encountered not much ice but quite a big swell. That swell, combined with the moving projection screen meant that Jordi's interesting lecture on seals did maybe not receive the full attention it deserved. Better luck next time Jordi.

We sailed down further south, through the Grandidier Channel to the vicinity of Lahille Island. There, the virtual 'push' south soon became a real push as ice got in the way of further progress. But we pushed on, with the able hands of Eric at the helm and Jordi in the mast as ice watch. And viewing him being at home up there I'm sure Jordi would not prefer a heated crow's nest over just standing in the rigging.

But the push south through the ice came to an end near the Takaki Promontory (according to Eric, and he should know). Our progress came to a halt surrounded by ice from the many glaciers here with interesting names as Cadman glacier and Luke Glacier.

So the EUROPA reached it farthest point south: S65°33.9' (or close). Hurray! (now, how do we get back?)

Geschreven door:
Charles Odinot | Trainee

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