Mike Horn - Pangaea
The expedition, named ‘Pangaea’, after the supercontinent that existed 250 million years ago, will cover 100,000 kilometers, reaching the North and South Poles and crossing all the continents and the oceans.
Mike Horn is acknowledged as arguably the world’s greatest modern-day explorer. He has undertaken exceptional feats of endurance, determination and courage which have extended the boundaries of human achievement. Among his exploits have been Latitude Zero, an 18-month circumnavigation of the Earth around the Equator, the Arktos Expedition, a solo circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle lasting 27 months and the North Pole Winter Expedition, the first ever night expedition to the North Pole, starting from the northernmost point of Russia and ending two months later at the North Pole.
Now, after 15 years of exploration, Mike Horn wants to invest the knowledge and experience he has acquired from past expeditions into a new challenge and to share his experiences with others. The aim of the Pangaea mission is to enhance a respect for the environment and encourage the clean-up of the planet and the protection of its resources for the sake of future generations.
During the Pangaea Expedition, Horn, 42, will walk, kayak, cycle, paraglide, ski, sail and use animal power - camels, dogs and elephants - to cross all terrains….oceans, rivers and lakes, mountains, desert, jungle, tundra and ice fields.
Today Mike Horn is probably the most experienced global explorer on the planet in all terrains and climates. He has probably seen more of the planet than anyone else and has almost unrivaled credentials to lead this amazing odyssey. Throughout the Pangaea Expedition Mike will share his knowledge of the nature and passion for exploration with young adults.
At various stages throughout his journey 12 young adults from each continent around the world, between the ages of 13 and 20, will be invited to join Mike. With Mike they will explore the nature and live a ‘real life’ experience with sharing and emotions. Educational specialists from each domain will join the young adults trips, will share their knowledge about the flora and fauna and helping them to understand the importance of nature, its elements and help to find possible solutions to the problems that the world is facing today.
Mike says: “I want to share my experience with future generations so they can find solutions and ultimately a respectful balance between nature and mankind. This is the most exciting venture I have undertaken. By working together with hard work, ingenuity, drive and courage, we can complement each other and find new energy of hope and ambition.
Together we can tap the world’s most powerful energy source – the younger generation.”
At the heart of the expedition is ‘Pangaea’, a 35 meter sailing vessel which has been designed to incorporate sustainable technologies. Sleeping 30 people and featuring latest communication technology and conference facilities, Pangaea will be used for environmental research and educational projects at its various ports of call around the world.
Youth and environmental projects will be established in specially selected regions that Pangaea visits. Focus will be placed upon:
- Water Projects – studying and monitoring the oceans and its biodiversity. Engaging in ocean clean–up, removing debris, cleaning of coastlines and water sources.
- Biodiversity Projects – studying, understanding and appreciating flora and fauna, and the importance of a balanced ecosystem.
- Social Community Projects – aiding local communities, water supplies in villages, improving sanitary and hygiene conditions.
The title sponsor of the Pangaea Expedition is Mercedes-Benz, while Officine Panerai and Geberit are presenting partners. Wenger is an important product sponsor. About the Wenger knife he's using on his expedition (a special knife that may be made available commercially in 2009) Mike said, "A knife is the only tool I need every day of my life. It gets me out of trouble."
Mike went on to say, “I would like to thank our partners for their support. They have given us the power to share our vision and accomplish our mission. Our team extends heartfelt gratitude to those who believe in our project as strongly as we do. This is a journey we will take together, fueled simply by mutual passion and common goals. And one which we know will make giant steps towards ensuring our planet can be loved and appreciated by all future generations.”
The Pangaea Expedition begins on October 9 when Mike Horn sets sail from Punta Arenas in Chile on the first stage of his epic journey to Antarctica, where Horn will trek to the South Pole. Then his route will take him through Australasia, China, Russia, to the North Pole, then across Greenland, North and South America and back to Punta Arenas.
More information at www.mikehorn.com
See images of Mike Horn and the Pangaea boat during their stay in New York City in the first week of September 2008.
