One of the perks for working at the Smithsonian is the amazing people we meet on a daily basis. Michael Lang, the Study Leader for our Antarctica trip, definitely leads the pack. As the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Officer, he directs one of the nation’s largest civilian scientific diving programs. Lang’s fascinating job takes him all over the world, to waters both cold and warm. Here, he talks about dipping into the seas off Antarctica, into an underwater world few might ever experience.

The majestic Royal Clipper at sunset

The one-of-a-kind Royal Clipper is a five-masted square-rigged clipper ship, the largest modern sailing vessel in the world. It was inspired by the legendary tall ship Preussen, which was the largest and fastest ship at the time of its launch in 1902. The new Royal Clipper is the only five-masted sailing ship built since her predecessor launched at the beginning of the last century. With 42 sails, the vessel is the Holy Grail for connoisseurs of sail cruising!

Click here to learn more about travel aboard the Royal Clipper.

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