January 27, 2016: It sounds crazy – sailing on snow, but a Queensland man is about to embark on a record setting mission to snow sail across Antarctica.

A Queensland man is about to embark on a record-setting mission to “snow sail” across Antarctica.

Adventurer Charles Werb’s unique sail is designed to glide across the ice and is powered only by the wind.

The journey will take him from the Novo base to as close as possible to the South Pole – and all the way back.

“I believe that I’m capable of achieving what I want to achieve, I’ve taken care of everything that I can do.”

 

If successful, he will become the first person to snow sail the Antarctic plateau.

He is also trying to break a world record for the most wind-assisted distance covered in 24 hours.

Mr Werb’s sails were designed and built in Brisbane by a local fabricator who has only seen the snow once.

He will go from 30 degree temperatures in Australia to minus 30 degree temperatures on the ice.

He will also have to fit all his supplies to last three weeks, including all of his food and camping gear, inside the vessel.

Experienced British explorer Henry Worsley died yesterday, a tragic ending to his attempt to cross the Antarctic by himself.

Mr Werb admits he has his trepidations.

“I’m apprehensive, it’s very foreign,” he said.

Mr Werb sets off next week.

 

For further information about his quest go to:

 

https://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/outeredgepolarchallenge

*Source – http://www.9news.com.au/national/2016/01/27/19/49/queensland-adventurer-prepares-for-snow-sail-journey-across-antarctica#Bu7xyey2gIvHqKFT.9