Shortly after her maiden voyage in the Med last summer, the yacht Infinite Jest embarked o n an extraordinary journey. Her owners wanted to visit as many places as possible—and they’ve succeeded. In just seven months on the water, Infinite Jest has touched five continents and covered nearly 20,000 miles. Among all the places they’ve visited, though, “the adventure of a lifetime” was Antarctica.
Those of the words of Capt. Tim Davison, who has guided the 246-footer (75-meter), a Turquoise Yachts build, on each and every mile so far. His involvement in the Antarctic journey, though, dates well before he, the crew, and the owners saw ant iceberg. “Nearly three yeras of planning and preparation came to fruition,” Davison says.

Although three years may sound like a lot—and it is—cruising to and in Antarctica is no simple tasks. Unlike most destinations, traditional or off the beaten path, the weather can be unforgiivng. The Drake Passage, the waterway separating South America from the icy continent, can be flat calm one day and uncomfortable at best the next. In fact, it’s infamous for having some of the roughest seas globally. Similarly, the physical conditions in Antarctic waters require that hulls incorporate ice belts, reinforced sections for protection. More thought has to go toward sewage management, garbage disposal, and other operations not normally of need of change. So, too, does the crew need extra education and training. Owners and guests, meanwhile, need polar clothing, as do crewmembers. Furthermore, special RIBs, versus typical tenders, are necessities for shore landings.

By the time of departure in December 2023, the years of preparation were worth it for everyone aboard the yacht Infinite Jest. “All the planning, meetings, surveys, additional shipyard works, and training were finally going to be put into practice,” Davison says. Within 24 hours of leaving South America, the superyacht arrived in Antarctic waters. “The air and water temperatures dropped to freezing point, the sea changed color, the wildlife changed, the fog closed in, and the first icebergs were sighted,” he recalls.

Although amenities like her full-beam beach club weren’t made for icy enjoyment, the megayacht made the most of her extraordinary trip. Surely, it was one of many more to follow.
Turquoise Yachts turquoiseyachts.com

More About the Yacht Infinite Jest
LOA: 246’1” (75 meters)
Beam: 46’6” (14.2 meters)
Draft: 13’4” (4.1 meters)
Guests: 14 in 7 staterooms
Engines: 2/2,575-hp Caterpillars
Range: 7,000 nautical miles at 12 knots
Builder: Turquoise Yachts
Stylist: A. Vallicelli & C.
Naval Architect: Turquoise Yachts
Interior Designer: Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design, Julie Hillman Design
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