The Adventure Fleet

The Adventure Fleet are honoured to be joined by the legendary Warren Macdonald and and his partner Margo Talbot aboard the Akademik Ioffe in Antarctica this November. Combining the effect that Antarctica's vast wilderness has on our psyche with the lessons Warren and Margo have to share, you will have an experience that will literally change the way you see the world, and your place in it.

Warren Macdonald is a modern day explorer. He’s also a bestselling author, a filmmaker and a professional speaker who is out to change the way you see the world, and your place in it. Don’t let his appearance surprise you. Macdonald lost both his legs in an accident in Australia in April 1997. A rock fall on Hinchinbrook Island in North Queensland, Australia trapped him beneath a one-ton boulder for two days before he was rescued. Though he survived, his legs did not – they were both amputated at mid-thigh…

Doctors told Warren he’d never walk again. His response: “I don’t recall them mentioning swimming, cycling, or climbing mountains…” Just ten months later he successfully summitted Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain; the following year Federation Peak, Australia’s toughest mountain summit.

Warren’s expeditions have since taken him around the globe. In February 2003, he became the first double above-knee amputee (AKA) to reach the summit of Africa’s tallest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m), and more recently, in a spectacular effort requiring more than 2800 pull-ups, created history once again in an ascent of America's tallest cliff face, El Capitan. In an age where exploration is no longer defined in geographical terms, a new breed of disabled athletes are exploring and redefining the outer limits of human potential. Warren Macdonald is one of those athletes.

His first book, “A Test of Will” is an Australian bestseller. His first film, “The Second Step” has been screened on National Geographic Television and has won eight international awards including Grand Prize at the prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival in 2002. Warren’s story has touched millions worldwide with his story being featured in The Discovery Channel series “I Shouldn’t be Alive” along with appearance on Larry King Live and Oprah.

Warren inspires people to move beyond their perceived limitations, demonstrating through action that “Nothing is impossible if we dare to face our fears and believe in ourselves”. This shines through in his response to those who think they’re not capable of visiting Antarctica: “C’mon. If a guy with no legs can go down there…”

Warren's partner Margo Talbot is a World Class Ice Climber who has guided expeditions to the South Pole as well as to the summit of Antarctica’s highest peak, Mt Vinson. Born on the east coast and migrating west at her earliest convenience, Margo made the Rocky Mountains of Canada her home for twenty years. A passionate ice, rock, and alpine climber, she thought nothing could lure her away. A guiding opportunity in the interior of Antarctica changed all of that, and she has been travelling for work and pleasure ever since.

Aside from her climbing, Margo’s other interests include alpine ski touring, cross-country skiing, languages, and writing. When not working in the polar regions, Margo is an instructor for Chick’s with Picks, an ice climbing guide, and a writer. She has published numerous climbing-related articles, as well as being the instigator and main contributor to the fourth edition of “Waterfall Ice Climbs in the Canadian Rockies”. She has competed in numerous climbing competitions, including the ESPN X-Games and the International Ouray Ice Festival.

Together, Warren and Margo form an exciting and unbeatable team ready to take you ONE STEP BEYOND on their Adventure in Antarctica.

As a special memento of the voyage, we’re including a “Warren Macdonald Antarctica Unlimited” jacket. Be sure to mention you’re with Warren and Margo’s group when booking to ensure you receive yours.

Wet Weather Gear & Binoculars for Hire or Purchase

Due to high demand, The Adventure Fleet are now offering the opportunity to buy or rent wet weather gear on board The Akademik Ioffe and The Akademik Sergey Vavilov. The wet weather gear that we supply is called ‘Comfort Zone’, manufactured by Wetskins.

The red garments have a heavy nylon shell with a PVC laminate coating and are 100% waterproof. We will have an assortment of sizes ranging from XS to XXL.

The jacket features include: web waist belt, reflective panel on hood, nylon lining for added comfort, four front pockets, mesh netting on pockets and lining, heavy duty YKK zipper with full fastening tape storm flap.

Features of the pants include: wide suspenders, gusseted zip-down fly, nylon lining, large pockets, reinforced seat and knees, adjustable ankle cuffs.

Purchase cost for the total suit is US$145, jacket alone US$85 or pants alone US$60. Rental costs for use of both jacket and pants is US$50 for the duration of the voyage. For just the jacket or pants, the cost is US$30 for the duration of the voyage.

Please note that sizing is limited, if you are interested in purchasing or renting a suit you must advise us prior to departure in order to guarantee the right garment is available on board. Please book garments via your travel agent.

We also offer Bushnell waterproof binoculars for hire or purchase. Part of the H20 series, the 8 x 42, 15-0842 model binoculars have BaK-4 prisms for sharp, detailed images, twist-up eyecups, multi-coated optics and include a carrying case, neckstrap and lens cloth. Available to rent for the duration of the voyage for US$20, or for purchase at US$70, these binoculars are ideal for the polar environment.