Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Race Antarctica  (Race Antarctica)

Outline
A race, from the edge of Antarctica, to the South Pole and back for environmentally powered craft in 2007/2008. There are almost no technical restrictions on how a team or individual can be propelled, provided the method of travel does not produce emissions. Race Antarctica seeks to explore technology, encourage sustainable energy, promote care of the environment and foster a new generation of polar explorers. Race Antarctica is also a race. The competition element is critically important in pushing entrants past the existing boundaries and searching for new ways of travelling. Welcome to Race Antarctica Race Antarctica is a race between competing teams to the South Pole and back, exclusively using sustainable zero carbon emission forms of transport. This inaugural race will take place in December 2007-2008, with the aim of furthering the development of new energy sources, whilst fully embracing global concerns for our endangered environment and to pave the way forward towards a new era of travel. Challenges are changing With the advent of commercial travel in Antarctica over the last decade, one of the harshest environments on the planet has not only become more accessible to tourists, but also rendered the arduous task of man hauling to the South Pole considerably more commonplace. Whilst still a formidable environment; Antarctica?s history is one littered with disaster as much as triumph; the challenge we face in today?s world, not just within exploration, but more importantly on a worldwide scale, is to look to the future, to take responsibility for the preservation of our environment, to push the bounds of possibility, by capitalising on constantly evolving modern technologies. Hydrogen fuel cells, solar and wind power are being researched and experimented with around the world as potential sources of renewable zero carbon emission energy. Race Antarctica will provide the most extreme of testing grounds for these technologies, leading the way ahead towards their accelerated implementation on a more global and commercial scale. Competitors Invited Race Antarctica invites competitors travelling in an environmentally friendly manner to put forward their entrance for this unique race. Provided the method of propulsion employed does not produce any carbon emissions, there are practically no technical restrictions on the type of transportation and all entrants are welcome. Innovation is expected and man hauling only will not be accepted. Potential entrants will include kite skiers, ice yachts and vehicles or craft powered by the wind, sun or hydrogen. Competitors must demonstrate proven experience in extreme environments, will have trained and trialled their equipment. They will be expected to be entirely self-sufficient for the duration of the race. They will be required to carry all their own equipment and supplies; there will be no checkpoints, no points for re-supply and no external assistance. Antarctica Race Antarctica will depart from and finish at Patriot Hills, the base on the western edge of Antarctica, and will cover the six hundred and fifty miles to the Pole, each way. The race will be held from November 2007 to January 2008. With the modern technology available, leading competitors are expected to take fifteen to thirty days to reach the pole and ten to twenty days to return. Using innovative, zero carbon emission methods, Race Antarctica aims to change the possibilities for travel and significantly reduce the time travelling to the Pole, as we embark on an exciting new age of exploration.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
All teams entered will be using and researching the use of zero emission alternative power technologies. Many technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, solar and wind remain under utilised in the polar environment.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The race has an international appeal and teams from all countries are encouraged to enter.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The race will start at Patriot Hills and competitors will head to the South Pole via Thiel mountains. After rounding the pole, they will return back to Patriot Hills where the race will end.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 11/07 – 02/08            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Logistic support for entrants, including all air travel, medical support and rescue will be provided by commercial companies.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No. Competitors will need to remove all items that they bring to Antarctica. This includes any equipment associated with any craft or vehicle entered. All rubbish will also be removed.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Commercial operator
Own support

No

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - An application is currently being considered by the Royal Geographical Society.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


Race Antarctica is an independent organisation and is not part of any existing project or programme. It will remain autonomous.

How will the project be organised and managed?
A registered UK company, Race Antarctica Ltd is managed from London by Cynan Rhodes and Charles Hunter (see attached) together with a board of advisors. These resources will ensure that the project has sufficient dedicated staff for the life of the race.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
An extensive marketing strategy taking into account print, photos, television news and documentary distribution is currently being developed. It is expected that the race will receive a very high level of exposure as it will be funded by corporate sponsors who seek the maximum return on investment. Environmental education forms a significant part of the race concept, particularly concerning sustainable, zero emission energy.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
There are currently no plans for the race organisers to collect data.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The race will be funded by corporate sponsorship and competitors entry fees

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Race Antarctica seeks to explore new technology, encourage sustainable energy, promote care of the environment and foster a new generation of polar explorers. It is also a race and the competition element is critically important in pushing entrants past the existing boundaries and searching for new ways of doing things.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Mr Cynan Rhodes
Race Antartica
8 Riddell Court
20 Albany Road, London
SE5 0DS
UK

Tel: 07801551698
Mobile: 07801551698
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation