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.
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:
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
The programme will involve
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.
Bob brings a lifetime of leadership, exploration and offshore sailing experience to Atlantic Shackleton Global Foundation. His career has been shaped by 28 years of military service across the Regular Army and Reserves, where he developed deep expertise in leadership, resilience and adventure training.
Joining 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in 1979, Bob undertook extensive adventure training, including parachuting, diving, skiing and expedition sailing. His offshore sailing experience includes three transatlantic crossings, culminating in a single-handed transatlantic race victory, earning him the Freedom of the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
Following military service, Bob established himself as a professional skipper and sailing educator. He has skippered multiple round-the-world yacht races, including winning skipper of the 2023/24 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. His career includes training hundreds of sailors, from complete novices to professional skippers, through the founding of Performance Yachting Sailing School.
Bob continues to skipper and train offshore crews globally, operate in high-latitude environments, and examine on behalf of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). His experience in leadership, youth development and ocean exploration directly supports the mission and values of Atlantic Shackleton Global Foundation.
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:
Together, we can transform inspiration into meaningful action.
Interested partners and supporters can email naomh@atlanticshackleton.org to learn more.
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