Pangaea's Young Explorers, Carlien and Cobus, supported by Caroline Rupert and the all Mike Horn Team initiated the following project : "Building a park in Protea Glen, Soweto. The project was done with the help of local high schools and in co-operation with the Johannesburg City Parks." Mike, Martin and Caroline Rupert were there to support and congratulate Carlien and Cobus.

Carlien and Cobus said : "Our aim is two-fold: through the construction of a green area, we not only hope to raise awareness amongst the community but also amongst the participants in the creation of the park. We believe in the importance of young people making a stand and difference in our community today. Our target group would be the future of tomorrow: young adults in their teenage years like us (primarily between 16 and 18 years-old). Youth leading the way, making a change – by us for everyone".

We would like to thank Carlien, Cobus and Caroline Rupert. for their motivation, energy and engagement and we will soon be announcing our next satellite project that out YE's will be involved in!

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As scheduled, Pangaea, Mike and her crew arrive in Cape Town after the 3'200nm crossing of the Atlantic from Brasil. It's around 11 am, the sun is shining and friends and family are there to greet them as they sail into the harbour."It's great to be back" says Mike "and what a thrill to see familiar faces on the pier with table mountain in the background. We're looking forward to our stay in Cape Town and to introduce Pangaea and the expedition to the people here."

"Only 142 nautical miles until we reach our destination!!" exclaims Mike. "We've slowed down the pace a little as we are moving upwind in big waves. Apparently there were 60 knots of wind yesterday in Hope Bay but we are expecting that by tomorrow midday the front will be gone and we will sail into Cape Town waterfront harbour in winds of 20 knots only.

It's an exciting moment for us South Africans onboard and wonderful to think that tomorrow around midday we will be united once again with our families and friends that we haven't seen for such a long time."

"We've struck some rather unpleasant weather. It seems that strong south easterlies, grey skies with squalls are here to stay until our predicted arrival on the 9th. The boat is sailing perfectly, reaching 10 knots on full sail so I'm happy with the changes that were done while the boat was in South America."

As Mike and two other crew members are South African, the excitment is rising as they are getting closer to their homeland.

Mike calls from Pangaea at Latitude 30°32.4'S and Longitude 16°35.3'W.

We are keeping ourselves busy onboard with various odds and ends, trying to get the boat ship-shape for visitors on our arrival. On a boat like this there are always huge amount of things to be done – the work never stops. No doubt we'll be rewarded with a great South African braai on our arrival."

Best wishes,

Mike

Mike calls from the Atlantic Ocean. (Latitude 27°6.5'S Longitude 39°45.1'W)

"Rain and light swells have joined us during the first few days of the Atlantic Ocean crossing. We have head on winds which are setting us back a few knots. The boat and crew are in fine form – happy to be once again on the ocean," reports Mike.

After two months of hard work, Mike and the Pangaea crew lift anchor and leave the port of Itaqui, Brasil.

"It's always a fantastic feeling to get the boat sailing again after staying put for a while", says Mike."We managed to get some good work done during the last few months and are happy with the interior changes that have been made. The work will none-the-less continue as I think improvements are a never ending story on a boat like this. Today our boat is in ship-shape condition and a pleasure to sail.

Now we have quite a trip in front of us, South Africa and then New Zealand. It'll take almost three weeks to get to Cape Town and there I will be able to introduce Pangaea to my fellow South Africans.

I'll keep you updated on route."

All the best,

Mike

Ever since his return from Antarctica, Mike has prioritised his time with the boat, ensuring that she is ready for the next leg of the expedition.

Now in Brasil, the boat has been undergoing important changes to the running, the safey and to her comfort. New kitchen appliances have ben intalled by Electrolux. Their 'eco-friendly line' suit perfectly the philosophy to that of Pangaea and the team are thrilled to be using such high quality products.

Up on dry land, the team have profited to remove Pangaea's massive keel and to see to it's reinforcement. As well as this, the team have given the boat a new antifouling, an important step prior to sailing in the fiords of New Zealand.

In a few days Pangaea will once again return to the sea and sail towards her onwards direction, New Zealand. A trip of such distance requires a stop-over, and what better stop-over can she make, that of Mike's homeland, South Africa.

A New Year with new adventures in store! Everybody, Mike included, is looking forward to the next exciting phase of the expedition and to the discovery of new territories.

In a few days Mike will meet up with the boat, reunited once again with the crew who have been busy the last two months with renovation and general maintenance.
Mike, boat and crew are now getting ready for the next phase of the expedition – New Zealand!

A twin otter will be coming to pick me up in two hours time and will take me to Patriot Hills. I kited 200kms yesterday but am still 480kms away. Patriot Hills is closing up and I will be on the last flight out to Punta Arenas. The flight leaving Antarctica might even be this evening.

This will be my last breakfast in the tent. I feel a little sad it's over but extremely happy with my Antarctic experience.

It was tough hauling my heavy sled but this was a great personal challenge for me.

I enjoyed the South Pole expedition. I marvel each day at its beauty and mysteriousness. As an explorer, I continue to compare the North Pole with the South Pole. The North Pole was definitely more of a challenge due to the open water and polar bears, whereas the South Pole more enriched with wildlife and history with its many relics of the past explorers.

What struck me the most about the South Pole was the thickness of the ice. When we walk on the ice cap we are on 3 kilometers of ice. I understand more the effects of global warming and the consequences to the rest of the world if the Antarctic ice melts. We have an important duty to preserve the poles and I hope that by sharing these emotions with Clémence and Nicolas and the other YEP's, we can start to stress this point to the people who can make a difference – the younger generation!"

Best regards,

Mike