I embarked Bark EUROPA in Ushuaia, Argentina in January 2023 and began my journey to the earth southernmost continent, Antarctica. Covered by snow and ice, with glaciers and rocky slopes, a breathtaking landscape and unique wildlife, Antarctica awaits ahead.
Photo: Regitze Andersen
Antarctica 2023
Photo by Regitze Andersen
Bark Europa - Antarctica 2023
Onboard I was part of the science field staff team and conducted citizen science research projects. Respect for the oceans plays an important role in the philosophy of Europa and the crew. In addition to sailing training, we therefore try to increase the awareness about the ocean environment to our voyage crew. The ship often travels in remote areas not visited by many other ships and can therefore contribute to the collection of important data through Citizen Science and recently started a collaboration with the Polar Citizen Science Collective.
The Polar Citizen Science Collective is a community creating opportunities for research and public education by connecting researchers and research institutes with tour operators in the polar regions. Their aim is to meet the needs of the polar science community by engaging travellers in data collection projects. In collaboration with Polar Citizen Science Collective we are participating in 3 Citizen Science projects. Southern Ocean Seabird survey, Happy Whale and The Secchi Disk study. All 3 projects will be conducted onboard during our voyage to Antarctica.
Photo by Regitze Andersen
Humpback Whale - Antarctica 2023
Photo by Regitze Andersen
Antarctica 2023
We began our journey, leaving Ushuaia behind. From now on, wind and waves will lead us to the rocks and ice of Antarctica. Under full sail and with a north-north-easterly wind we continued along the Beagle Channel broad reach, turning into the Drake Passage. The Drake Passage welcomed us with its characteristic forceful winds and high sea and by midnight we celebrated entering into 2023 and the beginning of our way southwards to Antarctica.
Photo by Regitze Andersen
Bark Europa - Antarctica 2023