Icebird is a specially designed and constructed luxury polar expedition yacht. Built by Trintella in the Netherlands, one of the very best European yards, her aluminium hull has been re-inforced to enable her to operate safely in ice. She has 6 watertight compartments, including the engine room, and is insulated throughout which, together with central heating, makes her ideal for comfortable expedition sailing in Antarctica. Her hydraulically operated lifting keel can reduce her draft to a mere 1.9 metres, allowing access to safe shallow anchorages out of the path of drifting ice, while in the down position the 3.3m keel, with 10-ton foil and 5 tonnes of lead bulb, ensure excellent handling in even the roughest of seas.
Icebird has an enclosed, heated and double-glazed pilot house saloon with 360 degree vision so that you are sheltered from the elements while on watch, as well as for enjoying the spectacular Antarctic views in comfort. There are two bathrooms which are serviced by a large capacity watermaker, and even heated towel rails for drying your gear, a boot drier, washer-drier and bread-maker.
Icebird can accommodate up to 10 people, including the two skippers and expedition leader, and has the capacity to store plenty of gear, including skis and inflatable power-boat, in her large ‘garage’ compartment. Her aero-rig means that the deck is uncluttered and clear of ropes, providing ideal storage for our fleet of sea kayaks - great toys for exploring the Antarctic coastline during rest days or when low clouds obscure the mountains. All expedition members are expected to perform watch duties, assist with sailing, cooking and cleaning. Prior sailing experience is not necessary since all necessary training is given on board, although members should expect some rough seas and cold weather.
Icebird is a member of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and conforms to all requirements for safe, environmentally-responsible and sustainable tourism.
Icebird is ideally suited to chartering in Antarctica with an ice re-inforced aluminium construction, 6 water tight compartments, including a watertight engine room, and a heated double glazed pilot house saloon offering all round views of the spectacular scenery scrolling past as the yacht is under way.Icebird has a hydraulically operated lifting keel which can reduce her draft to a mere 1.9 metres and allow access to safe shallow anchorages out of the path of drifting ice, while the 3.3m keel down position means that her highly efficient 10tonne foil with 5 tonnes of lead bulb ensure excellent sea keeping characteristics and the ability to beat off a lee shore in an emergency. Icebird is insulated through out and climate controlled with reticulated hot water radiators and air conditioning. Even the bathrooms have heated towel rails, which come in handy for drying your gear. A large garage in the aft compartment allows plenty of storage for a large aluminium hulled rigid inflatable boat as well as skis, kayaks, dive gear and other (toys) equipment for making the most of the exciting destinations Icebird will be visiting.
Icebird is a member of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators)