Veteran Explorer to Attempt the Coldest Journey on Earth

Veteran Explorer to Attempt the Coldest Journey on Earth PR Newswire LONDON, September 17, 2012 LONDON, September 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran polar explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, will take on one of the last remaining polar challenges by attempting to cross Antarctica in winter - the coldest journey on Earth - with five colleagues and with the support of the Commonwealth and a number of sponsors. On 6 December 2012, on board the expedition's South African ice-strengthened research ship, 'SA Agulhas', the expedition team - led by Sir Ranulph - will leave London, bound for Antarctica. Their aim is to complete 'The Coldest Journey' - the first-ever trans-Antarctic winter expedition. The Coldest Journey will also attempt to raise USD10 million for Seeing is Believing, a global charitable initiative to fight avoidable blindness. During their sea voyage, the team will undertake a number of scientific tasks to provide unique data on marine life, oceanography and meteorology. Using the very latest technological innovations, this epoch-making journey will pave the way for a new dawn in Antarctic, year-round exploration. On 21 March 2013, the equinox, the six expedition members will begin a six month journey to reach the Ross Sea. Their route from the Russian base of Novolazareskaya ('Novo') to Captain Scott's base at McMurdo Sound - via the South Pole - will test the limits of human endurance.