En route to the Falkland Islands
Ship’s Position: 52º27’S 051º21’W
A sun-filled sky greeted us today as the wind had picked up and blown out the heavy fog from yesterday. Of course, that same wind also meant slightly heavier seas and lighter stomachs, but our ship pushed on and “made Westing” throughout the day. She handles the seas remarkably well and is an ideal vessel for our “bipolar” itinerary, but my day of contemplation led me to appreciate our smaller fleet and their importance to our expeditions.
Our 12 Zodiacs are, without a doubt, unsurpassed in importance to our daily operations. Their unique design, maneuverability, and durability are tailor-made for the adventures we set out on almost everyday. Our ships are underway on average 350 days a year, and other than those spent “at sea,” each of those days provides an opportunity to put these rugged boats to the test. The trusty Zodiac puts us ashore in almost any conditions from the heavy surf of Deception Island to the rocky coasts of the British Isles, all the while keeping our guests safe and dry; well, mostly dry anyway. It is an open-air craft, after all. It also provides us with an ideal platform for our underwater activities, such as “splash camming,” diving, and snorkeling. Here on the Endeavour we use the Mark V Heavy Duty Zodiac with 50 Hp outboard engines. Its five airtight inflatable chambers, plus separately inflated keel, give it the flexibility and buoyancy needed to function in such a wide range of conditions. The air chambers are independent of each other and continue to perform safely even if one is punctured by the odd curious leopard seal or ill-placed rock.
Of course, these remarkable boats don’t repair and maintain themselves. Our deck foreman, Villaruel “Villy” Bunquin, and his dedicated crew tirelessly service and upkeep the Zodiacs year-round, constantly inspecting the keel, replacing any damaged propellers, and placing any necessary patches where needed. It’s a job that often goes unnoticed by our guests, but certainly not by those of us in the expedition staff, who depend on the Zodiacs everyday to provide the awe-inspiring experiences Lindblad travelers have come to expect. No wonder these “little black boats” are often the most commented-on aspects of our trips, and a favorite among guests, as evidenced by the sold out miniature versions now unavailable in our gift shop. Each day here at the end of the world, we find ourselves astounded and overwhelmed by our surroundings, and more often than not, these sensations and lasting memories are made possible by our Zodiacs, their drivers, and their crew.
Ship’s Position: 52º27’S 051º21’W
A sun-filled sky greeted us today as the wind had picked up and blown out the heavy fog from yesterday. Of course, that same wind also meant slightly heavier seas and lighter stomachs, but our ship pushed on and “made Westing” throughout the day. She handles the seas remarkably well and is an ideal vessel for our “bipolar” itinerary, but my day of contemplation led me to appreciate our smaller fleet and their importance to our expeditions.
Our 12 Zodiacs are, without a doubt, unsurpassed in importance to our daily operations. Their unique design, maneuverability, and durability are tailor-made for the adventures we set out on almost everyday. Our ships are underway on average 350 days a year, and other than those spent “at sea,” each of those days provides an opportunity to put these rugged boats to the test. The trusty Zodiac puts us ashore in almost any conditions from the heavy surf of Deception Island to the rocky coasts of the British Isles, all the while keeping our guests safe and dry; well, mostly dry anyway. It is an open-air craft, after all. It also provides us with an ideal platform for our underwater activities, such as “splash camming,” diving, and snorkeling. Here on the Endeavour we use the Mark V Heavy Duty Zodiac with 50 Hp outboard engines. Its five airtight inflatable chambers, plus separately inflated keel, give it the flexibility and buoyancy needed to function in such a wide range of conditions. The air chambers are independent of each other and continue to perform safely even if one is punctured by the odd curious leopard seal or ill-placed rock.
Of course, these remarkable boats don’t repair and maintain themselves. Our deck foreman, Villaruel “Villy” Bunquin, and his dedicated crew tirelessly service and upkeep the Zodiacs year-round, constantly inspecting the keel, replacing any damaged propellers, and placing any necessary patches where needed. It’s a job that often goes unnoticed by our guests, but certainly not by those of us in the expedition staff, who depend on the Zodiacs everyday to provide the awe-inspiring experiences Lindblad travelers have come to expect. No wonder these “little black boats” are often the most commented-on aspects of our trips, and a favorite among guests, as evidenced by the sold out miniature versions now unavailable in our gift shop. Each day here at the end of the world, we find ourselves astounded and overwhelmed by our surroundings, and more often than not, these sensations and lasting memories are made possible by our Zodiacs, their drivers, and their crew.
