After successfully crossing Drake Passage, we dropped anchor in Telefon Bay, Deception Island, at midday on Saturday 22^nd of December.  We were relieved to have made it to Antarctica and celebrated with a quiet beer on deck as we took in our surroundings and reflected on the journey.

The crossing was made in good time considering we did not have to wait for favourable weather at the Horn.  What it was though was a bitterly cold sail.  It did not matter how many layers you had on your fingers and toes copped it…. We have been very envious of heated yachts over the last few days! Despite the cold we remained in good spirits.

Kate spotted our first iceberg at 60.5° South which, being the first iceberg any of us had seen, impressed us with its size and presence.  Luckily it is light enough 24 hours/day this far south to be able see and avoid them!

The plan now is to spend a few days, including Christmas, here at Deception with a few shore excursions before heading further south to the Gerlache Strait area.

In the meantime we would like to wish all our families and friends a safe and fun Christmas... we will be having a white one!

Season’s Greetings,

Matt, Rohan, Tina, Nigel and Kate