Why sail to Antarctica, really good question. The only answer I have, for the adventure. The sailing expedition was a quasi scientific trip, we were to install some sensors into Mawson Hut located in Commonwealth Bay Antarctic. Why was I going, I was second in command of the yacht and would lead land-based tours, I would also teach safe movement over the ice, using ropes, rescue techniques and maybe some ice climbing. 

Mawson's hut has been there 100 years, it was never built to last so long and the ice will one day consume it. I have the opinion, Mawson's hut was a fantastic bit of old engineering that has survived about 100 years longer than even he expected. If you don't know who Mawson is, read some history, he is one hard ole dude, a legend.

Another reason to go is to stick it to the science wanker types, they seem to think Antarctica is their exclusive taxpayer-funded playground. "we don't want you expeditions types here, you will damage the delicate (purple and rainbow colored unicorn) environment". As you explain to those fools just how much damage they do every year with fuel spills, shit and piss dumped willy nilly and let's not forget machinery left to rot where it fails. Yes, Mr science we salute you.

So hell yes to a lean green Antarctic adventure, by sail nonetheless. If you want to feel like an ocean warrior spend some time bashing about in moving pack ice and 90 knot ocean storms, it will make you appreciate your latte when you're sitting in your cozy little cafe in the art district of Melbourne. That's only if you survive, at best I give 50% chance. 

We spent a number of days trying to find a lead or gap through the pack ice, whole days spent motor sailing down a 5 mile wide ice lead the would end a a blocked passage. We would turn around and look the next one all the time the pack is moving and your hoping the gap you sailed down is still open on your return in several hours.

I several occasions we had complete white out conditions, navigating around ice bergs and looking for leads using the radar as best we could. 

We followed this lead through the pack ice, the beam of light photographed at 0200hrs on a very cold morning was either a good or bad omen, it did lead us to the mainland.

Once through the pack ice we turned East and motored between the pack ice and along the Antarctic mainland for about 100nm, before we reached Commonwealth Bay.  It had been amazing, flat beautiful, and awe-inspiring, not one sign of a building storm as we prepared the boat for land operations and other jobs like refilling the tanks.