Antarctica 2000 Web Site

The South Pole Team left Changi Airport on Oct 14, 1999, for Punta Arenas, Chile to wait the flight to Patriot Hill, Antarctica.

After a six-day delay caused by bad weather, the South Pole Team is now in Patriot Hills.

"The team is estatic to have arrived on the Antarctica continent," said Khoo Swee Chiow, the Antarctica 2000 team leader, "We are glad that the weather finally relented. Everyone is looking forward to the challenge of pushing our personal limits."

The team's morale and spirits are very high. It further strengthens their determination to make up for the lost time.

Robert Goh, the Antarctica 2000 co-team leader, said, "Our first few minutes on the continent is almost surreal. After more than 15 months of working on the project, it is hard to believe that we are actually here. This is a fulfillment of my dreams and conviction."

Weather conditions at Patriot Hills is good :

Temperature : -22 degrees Celsius

Wind speed : 5 knots per hour

Snow : Clear (not snowing)

Sun : Strong and sunny conditions

The team plans to spend 24 hours at Patriot Hills on the following :

a) Test all communication equipments in actual Antarctica weather.

b) Set camp on the snow and ice to test all tent equipment.

c) Organize the team fuel requirements. (For safety and weight reasons, fuel is purchased and distributed by ANI at Patriot Hills).

d) Final Sled and systems check.

At this stage, the team does not plan to change their strategy. As planned, they will go to 80 degrees South on November 5, 1999 and commence the trek to the South Pole. They plan to make up for the lost time by covering more kilometres per day. The team hopes to plant the Singapore flag at the South Pole on January 1, 2000.