Shackleton Epic crew pay tribute to 'the Boss' at Shackleton gravesite
by Biarta Parnham 15 Feb 2013 05:20 GMT
15 February 2013
(l to r) Ed Wardle, Seb Coulthard, Tim Jarvis, Paul Larsen, Alexandra Shackleton, Barry Gray & Nick Bubb at Shackleton's Grave, Grytviken, South Georgia © Jo Stewart / Shackleton Epic
Rendezvous and Toast with Shackleton's Granddaughter, the Hon. Alexandra Shackleton at Grytviken a ditting finale to 'Epic' Expedition
It was a fitting tribute to conclude one of the most gruelling expeditions in recent times.
A mug of Shackleton's favourite scotch, a toast raised to 'the Boss' and the last dram of Mackinlay's poured onto the gravesite in an offering to his legendary achievements.
Today the six members of Shackleton Epic crew met with their Patron and their boat's namesake, The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton at the gravesite of Sir Ernest, who is buried at Grytviken, South Georgia, where he died in 1922.
Expedition Leader Tim Jarvis, skipper Nick Bubb, navigator Paul Larsen, mountaineer Baz Gray, bosun Seb Coulthard and cameraman Ed Wardle made a rendezvous with Ms. Shackleton to reflect on their own achievement and pay a deeply felt tribute to Sir Ernest, that was four years in the making.
"No one since my grandfather has done the "Shackleton Double" [in the way that Tim and his crew have done this] - the voyage of 800 nautical miles in a not-quite 23 foot boat, and then the climbing of South Georgia," Alexandra Shackleton said.
"I knew someone would do it; I wanted them to do it properly and I thought Tim with his track record was the person who could do this. It's been four years of preparation and now it's such a wonderful moment to be here with him in Grytviken, with the sun shining and the sea shimmering, and it's a very wonderful, moving moment and I'm a very proud patron," she said.
Ms Shackleton said she felt huge relief when she'd heard they'd made the first leg of the journey as any crossing of the Southern Ocean is inherently dangerous.
"It would have been very uncomfortable for them in that boat, with six men and with Tim Jarvis, being a very selfish 6' 4" it would have been somewhat cosy!"
A reflective and relieved Tim Jarvis, speaking on behalf of his crew said:
"Fate smiled on us today. 'The Boss' would have approved of the sense of theatre leading up to today's meeting with his granddaughter, Alexandra Shackleton. The weather conditions and high winds caused some delays in Alexandra's arrival; however the sun shone brightly when the time came to toast her iconic grandfather's achievements.
"Just a few hours before the anniversary of his birthday, it was certainly a special moment to stand with my team and Shackleton's closest living relative to honour both his journey and his life. I'm so glad that Alexandra Shackleton was able to make it to this remote place and we are grateful for both her patronage and support," Jarvis said.
"Raising a mug of Mackinlay's whisky to the memory of Shackleton and then offering some to 'the boss' (as is customary) was a poignant moment in this expedition and one which I will never forget," he said.
In a gesture of thanks, crew members of Shackleton Epic have donated some of their clothing and gear to the Museum of South Georgia, which will record their historic achievement. Crew member Baz Gray 'curated' the items which include traditional clothing and navigational instruments.
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