Breaking Barriers in the Far South: Captain Sara Jenner

Captain Sara Jenner Makes History Aboard the Ortelius

At Wild Nectar, we’re drawn to the wildest places on Earth—and to the bold people who explore them. That’s why we’re celebrating a record-breaking moment that recently unfolded at the bottom of the world.

On February 26, 2025, Captain Sara Jenner led a daring expedition deep into the Weddell Sea aboard the M/V Ortelius—one of the expedition ships we’re proud to feature. Under her expert command, the Ortelius reached an astounding 78°03.471′S, marking the southernmost point ever reached by a non-icebreaker passenger ship. This was not just a technical achievement—it was a historic moment in modern polar exploration.

Captain Jenner, one of the few female captains navigating the polar regions, brought both grit and grace to the journey. The Ortelius, known for its ice-strengthened hull and fearless itineraries, is built for voyages just like this—venturing far beyond the usual tourist routes to show travelers a side of Antarctica few ever witness.

This landmark voyage offered guests rare opportunities to witness Emperor penguins in the wild, fly over surreal landscapes via helicopter, and tread in the footsteps of legendary explorers. These are the kinds of moments that live with you forever—and the kind of meaningful adventure Wild Nectar was designed to deliver.

Whether you select the Ortelius, Plancius, or Hondius, ships offered by one of our most adventurous operators, or one of the other ships we offer that are designed for true exploration, we guarantee your trip to Antarctica will be one of the highlights of your whole life. With small passenger capacities and exceptional guides, these ships bring travelers closer to the raw magic of Antarctica—and stories like Captain Jenner’s make it clear just how much there still is to discover.

Want to follow in the wake of greatness? Consider striking out into one of the least-visited areas on earth on the Ortelius' Weddell Sea Explorer voyage, 27 full days of discovery and exploration. Too extreme? Head to the Antarctic Peninsula on one of our 10-14 day voyages or something in between. Contact us and we'll help you select the voyage and ship style that are just perfect for you. Antarctica awaits! And if you have the time and resources to experience it, now is the time to plan your journey.

Fair Winds!