1. BackgroundThe 1st Singapore Everest Expedition milestone was accomplished when it placed two climbers on the summit on 25 May 98. In addition, five climbers also reached the South Summit in the first summit attempt. This is a very big achievement and definitely a milestone for the nation of Singapore. The overwhelming home welcome by President Ong Teng Chong and the public, the congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong
Goh Chok Tong and various cabinet ministers, and the winning of two awards, Singapore Youth Awards and Singapore Excellence Awards, reinforce the team's achievement In an attempt to establish another milestone in Singapore’s history, we are proud to announce yet another challenge - Walk to South Pole and climb Antarctica’s highest peak.
The South Pole has for a long time fascinated mankind. It is the most remote and hostile place on earth. It is also the coldest and driest desert subject to the fiercest storms known to man, with temperature down to -60°C and winds up to 300km/h. The Antarctica continent was first sighted in 1820 by a Russian navy captain. The first landing took place one year later by two British seal hunters. But the Pole was not reached until ninety years later by a 5-men Norwegian team led by Roald Amundsen on 4 December 1911. His rival, British Robert Scott, arrived 33 days later on 17 January 1912, to find Amundsen’s tent. Feeling deeply disappointed from losing the golden race, Scott and his four companions died in blizzards and extreme cold on the return journey – the first recorded deaths on Antarctica.
The Hazards
The journey to the Pole has been described as "the worst and last journey on earth". Difficulties of Antarctic expeditions are both physical and mental. One not only has to cope with constant wind, extreme cold and frequent storms, but also has to endure that endless mostly featureless horizon. When there isn’t threats from the element, there are monotonous hours after monotonous hours pulling a sledge on a gradual inclining, endless snow land.
It usually takes 50 to 65 days to ski from the coast of Antarctica to the Pole. In modern days, numerous scientific and government-sponsored parties have reached the Pole by using dogs, motor-sledges or large tractors.
However, as of today, in modern history, less than 70 persons have walked to the South Pole.
3. Why Vinson Massif?
Vinson Massif (4897m), the highest peak on Antarctica, was first climbed in 1966. It lies on the southern part of the main ridge of the Sentinel Range. It is also one of the coveted 7-summits - the challenge to scale the highest peak on each of the continents. The need to be totally self-sufficient, the remoteness and severe weather make the climb one that cannot be taken lightly. The route is a very long snow climb in potentially extreme conditions. When the weather is good, the views are stunning and temperatures, around freezing point, feel quite comfortable. However, the conditions can change very quickly and the temperature can plummet to -30°C. Climbers will need to be in extreme physical and mental condition and be equipped with the warmest clothing available.
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