Antarcticans trade ice for water in the Great Blake Race

Generation Y Antarcticans trade ice for water in the Great Blake Race

As a proud sponsor of the Sir Peter Blake Trust ‘Great Blake Race’, three Antarctica New Zealand Gen Y Antarctic Ambassadors are trading in their snowmobiles for an Elliot 7m yacht to raise funds to help New Zealand school students take part in future Young Blake expeditions.

“The Great Blake Race is one way these young leaders can start working together before they hit the ice, while talking to a diverse audience about their past and future Antarctic experiences,” said Antarctica New Zealand General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Jeanine Begg.

Since 2008, the Sir Peter Blake Trust, in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, has provided opportunities for nine young New Zealanders to visit Antarctica through the Antarctic Youth Ambassador programme.

Charlie Wilkinson will lead Antarctica New Zealand’s yachting team as they take on some of Auckland's biggest corporates to support this great cause. Charlie has experienced the weather related challenges which test great leadership in the Ross Sea region, having represented the Sir Peter Blake Trust as an Antarctic Youth Ambassador during the 2013 programme.

When asked how he was feeling about big race Charlie said “[I’m] keen to get on the water with some of New Zealand's best sailors … Hopefully the chop stays down so there is no sea sickness on board!”

Charlie's crew includes Angus Watson and Stefan Covic who are getting their thermal socks, cameras and social media plans together for this year’s Antarctic Youth Ambassador programme where they will work in the field of engineering and environmental stewardship.

Angus said, “[I’m] prepared to be humbled by some great athletes and some great leaders.” Antarctica New Zealand knew their team was in great hands when Stefan told them, “I’m very excited to be given the opportunity to be part of the Great Blake Race! I am looking forward to meeting all of the skippers and some friendly competition out on the water - I have every bit of confidence that my two years sailing experience as a nine-year-old will contribute to an already formidable Antarctica New Zealand Race Team.”

Antarctica's global significance has been recognised and protected by the Antarctic Treaty System, but essential to the long term protection of the frozen continent is the education and engagement of New Zealand's next generation of environmental stewards.

“Antarctica New Zealand and the Sir Peter Blake Trust enjoy a relationship which has gone from strength to strength based on our common values, commitment to the environment and focus on dynamic youth leadership,” said Ms Begg.

“All three Ambassadors are outstanding young people in their own right and it’s a privilege to give them this opportunity to learn about the importance of Antarctica in a practical way. They are a unique resource and their experience is essential to developing a greater awareness of New Zealand's leadership role in Antarctica.”

This year Angus and Charlie will work from Scott Base alongside teams of scientists, engineers and conservators on environmental and heritage restoration projects.

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