EYOS Expeditions already leads the way, literally, for megayachts making polar explorations part of their itineraries. Now the company has added Skip Novak (pictured), a renowned pioneering polar sailor, as director of sailing operations.
Novak is an accomplished overall sailor—a four-time Whitbread participant, in fact. He’s also spent nearly 30 years cruising Antarctica and other high-latitude regions. He was inspired to embark on this type of sailing due to experience mountaineering in South Georgia and Antarctica, among other locales. He did so via the construction of the expedition yacht Pelagic in 1987. Since then, Novak has spent every season in Antarctica. He built a second expedition yacht, Pelagic Australis, for the same purpose in 2003. Both operate under his company, Pelagic Expeditions, which he’s continuing to oversee even in his new position. Novak further is a frequently sought source by international media for commentary about high-latitude trips.
Novak and EYOS Expeditions have already been collaborating for several years. Ben Lyons, CEO of EYOS Expeditions, says it’s more than just Novak’s familiarity with Arctic and Antarctic waters that’s vital. “Perhaps most importantly, we share the same values when it comes to visiting these pristine regions and strive to uphold the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance,” Lyons explains.
In his new role Novak is handling multiple tasks. Any yacht wishing to visit polar regions via EYOS Expeditions first needs to be inspected. So, Novak will visit the yachts and meet with the captains and crews. He’ll then outline preparations for both the yacht and personnel. Novak will additionally handle the time-consuming permitting process. (Due to the harsh, and environmentally sensitive, conditions, no vessel is permitted to venture below 60°S without authorization.) He’ll outline itineraries with owners and captains, including passage planning. Novak also will work with the appointed EYOS Expeditions leader who’ll be aboard the yacht and the ice pilot who’ll be required for the passage. Novak himself may serve as the ice pilot on occasion.
If you’re interested in Antarctic cruising, read our “Destination Guide: Antarctica, With EYOS Expeditions.”
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