THE CREW

RENÉ TURENNE

Age
56 (but hey… you'd never know it!)

Profession
Professional sailor.  Finally retired after 38 years in the Canadian Coast Guard, I am free to do what I love best, to the best of my ability, of course.

Diplomas
Degree in nautical science (Coast Guard school, 1970)
Coast Guard command licence, 1973
Pleasure craft pilot's licence, 1973
Glider operator's licence, 1975
Long-haul captain's licence, 1981

Relevant Experience
A life spent in the Coast Guard has included several years' experience aboard ice-breakers, both on the Atlantic coast as well as the Great Lakes and Arctic Ocean. It also included two scientific research trips in Arctic sea waters, with the "SHEBA" in 1997-98, and the "Northwest Tundra" in 1999. These two lovely experiences are among my most precious memories. A research voyage to Antarctica will be a fascinating adventure for me, but not an unfamiliar one.

Job During Mission Antarctica
First of all, captain, but ready to try anything, except maybe diving in ice-covered seas.

Personal Goals and Motivations
This is a unique and very special chance to journey across the formidable "Drake Passage," and what’s more, aboard a large sailing vessel! If that was all, it would still be more than I would have dared to hope. Add to that the chance to see the southern oceans and the continent of Antarctica with my own eyes—and I’m in paradise!

What I Hope to Accomplish During the Expedition
This trip gives me a unique opportunity to live, work, and build a team with people who seem to share a common love of adventure, a desire to learn about and appreciate our natural environment and all its wonders, and a great desire to communicate their enthusiasm to the whole world. So I see this as both a voyage of discovery and a pilgrimage! From a personal and professional angle, I have everything to gain.
Let's not forget the added perk, later on, of being able to give the guys who like to brag about their adventures at the little marina in Summerstown, Ontario a run for their money!

Greatest Fears During the Expedition
Missing the boat!
Having to pass on the chef's desserts because I'm watching my waistline.