With the start of the Antarctic season creeping up, chances are that your thoughts are slowly turning to the dreaded Drake Passage, arguably the roughest stretch of water in the world. The Drake Passage is located between the most common point of embarkation for Antarctic voyages in South America (Ushuaia) and the white continent itsself. It is the place where not only are there high and strong winds that blow most of the time, but where the "Circumpolar Current" is squeezed through its narrowest gap. This is a Westerly flowing current that flows around Antarctica powered by Antarctic winds. It flows at the rate of around 140 million cubic metres (tonnes) of water per second, or the equivalent of 5000 Amazon rivers!
To reach the Antarctic peninsula it is necessary to traverse this stretch of water at right angles to the current flow. The result is often very rough seas indeed although sometimes it can be surprisingly calm. Being prepared for the worst and anything else is a bonus and for a lifetime of memories it's worth plucking up the courage, and take heed of some handy tips we'd like to share:
Gingernut biscuits - or indeed any kind of ginger (tea, sweets, crystalised variety). Ginger is great for settling a queasy stomach, and good for sharing with fellow passengers who don't have them in their own country - an great icebreaker (excuse the pun) and conversation-starter!
Get to bed in good time, Chances are that you'll be high on adrenaline, but if you can be asleep for when you hit the Drake then it's amazing how the body adjusts (without you knowing it!). Most passengers do tend to get their sealegs after the first 24 hours.
Sit up on the bridge, and keep your eye on the horizon - this helps combat sickness.
Stay hydrated and do eat (even though you may not feel like it) - you'll feel better with something in your stomach.
Visit your doctor/GP before you leave - they may have access to stronger medication than across the counter (which incidentally made me very sleepy and groggy - not ideal but if you suffer from seasickness.....). Your doctor onboard will also be able to offer other medication.
Mind you, what's at the end is ultimately worth it, and I promise you that you won't regret it! Any other handy tips/hints from those proud to have survived the Drake are most welcome....!
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