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History

Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 -1917 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition stands as one of the greatest stories of endurance in human history. While the expedition did not complete its intended crossing of Antarctica, Shackleton’s extraordinary leadership ensured the survival of every member of his crew against overwhelming odds.

That legacy defined by resilience, teamwork, adaptability and optimism lies at the very heart of Atlantic Shackleton Global Foundation. It continues to inspire modern exploration, leadership development and education.

Sailing Programme

Spirit of Shackleton is a powerful, purpose-built 70-foot clipper race yacht, acquired to serve as an active platform for exploration, adventure and youth development.

The Spirit of Shackleton Sailing Programme translates Shackleton’s values into real-world experience. The vessel will operate as a mobile learning environment, combining offshore sailing with leadership development, science and adventure education.

Each voyage will carry a crew of 15–16 people, including:

  • Led by professional Skipper and Mate
  • Experienced volunteer sailors
  • Up to 12 trainees

Spirit of Shackleton will embark on a number of ambitious sailing voyages through the Irish and European waters. We will also engage on an Atlantic and Southern Ocean voyage, retracing historic routes and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ilén’s voyage to Port Stanley.

Spirit of Shackleton is a powerful, purpose-built 70-foot clipper race yacht, acquired to serve as an active platform for exploration, adventure and youth development.

The Spirit of Shackleton Sailing Programme translates Shackleton’s values into real-world experience. The vessel will operate as a mobile learning environment, combining offshore sailing with leadership development, science and adventure education.

Each voyage will carry a crew of 15–16 people, including:

  • Led by professional Skipper and Mate
  • Experienced volunteer sailors
  • Up to 12 trainees

Spirit of Shackleton will embark on a number of ambitious sailing voyages through the Irish and European waters. We will also engage on an Atlantic and Southern Ocean voyage, retracing historic routes and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ilén’s voyage to Port Stanley.

Destinations will include

  • UK & Ireland
  • Spain & Portugal
  • Azore & Canary Islands
  • Ascension Island
  • Uruguay
  • Argentina & Falkland Islands
  • Chile
  • Peru
  • Galápagos Islands
  • Panama
  • Caribbean & Bermuda

The programme will involve

  • Multiple crew rotations
  • Up to 150 sailing and training voyages
  • Approximately 3,000 visitors participating in day sails and onboard experiences
  • Hundreds of thousands of people engaging digitally and following the voyage globally


This expedition will promote leadership in science, exploration and youth development, while supporting the long-term vision of Endurance 2 and a future Shackleton World Tour.

Join the Journey

We invite visionary partners to join us in bringing the Spirit of Shackleton and future Endurance 2 programmes to life. Sponsoring Spirit of Shackleton offers a unique opportunity to align your organisation or philanthropy with exploration, education, science and youth development, while becoming part of a highly visible, global sailing programme.

Sponsorship directly supports:

  • Scientific research at sea
  • Youth access to offshore sailing and education
  • Global outreach and storytelling
  • Development of the next generation of explorers and leaders


Together, we can transform inspiration into meaningful action.

Interested partners and supporters can email naomh@atlanticshackleton.org to learn more.