"The expedition is in honour of Shackleton's legacy. It demonstrates how a group of people from different nations are able to put their differences aside to work towards the achievement of a goal against seemingly insurmountable odds, a message that resonates powerfully in our modern world."  Tim Jarvis

In 1916, legendary polar explorer Ernest Shackleton and 5 companions completed an incredible journey sailing a small rowing boat, the James Caird (pictured right), across 800 miles of the roughest ocean in the world from Elephant island, Antarctica to mountainous South Georgia Island. On reaching South Georgia, Shackleton and 2 men then scaled the island's precipitous peaks with virtually no equipment to reach a remote whaling station.  Shackleton's original goal had been to be the first to cross Antarctica. With the sinking of his ship the Endurance in the pack ice, it instead became a journey of survival, both for the 6 men in the James Caird and the 22 men left behind on Elephant Island, whose rescue depended on their success...

To this day, no-one has successfully completed Shackleton's 'double'. In 2011, Tim Jarvis will head up a team that will attempt the journey under the patronage of The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton (pictured with Tim), granddaughter and closest living relative of Sir Ernest.  Dubbed "The Shackleton Epic",  the expedition will set sail from Elephant Island in a replica of the James Caird and will use only 1916 technology, food and equipment.

A documentary will be made about the expedition.  The construction of a replica James Caird began in June 2008 and discussions are underway with NZ, UK, Australian and Irish broadcasters. In the spirit of the way Shackleton recruited his team for the original expedition and to garner public interest, the team intend to launch a public recruitment campaign for the trip. Shackleton's legendary appeal for volunteers offering fame in the event of success but with the caveat that safe return was doubtful, will likely be re-launched in the national media in 2009/10, involving the public in the expedition as well as appealing to viewers. Click here for further info on the film.

Clip: Tim Jarvis speaking about the "Shackleton Epic Expedition" at the Sail, Power and Watersport Show, Earls Court