Race to the South Pole 1911 - 12

When Englishman, Robert F. Scott and Norwegian Roald Amundsen competed to be the first to the South Pole, one of their expeditions lived and the other perished. Come find out why from Islander, Captain Joe Wubbold, retired U.S. Coast Guard. Captain Joe is uniquely qualified to share insights into this famous race to the South Pole as he holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Polar Studies from the University of Cambridge, England and remains associated with the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, named in honor of Captain Scott. As an icebreaker captain in the Antarctic, Captain Joe has visited the places from which both Scott and Amundsen began their journeys.

You will hear how the race between the Scott and Amundsen parties got started and the events leading up to it. Learn about the planning each expedition leader did and their different approaches to the expedition. And the differences in their leadership styles will be discussed, including the interaction between the two men and also between the two countries. It promises to be an insightful, absorbing discussion of one of the great expeditions of the Golden Age of polar exploration.

Come hear Capt. Joe’s talk on Sunday, November 4th at 4 pm at Bethel Church. Capt. Joe is speaking as part of the Telling Stories Speaker Series. Some may remember Captain Joe’s talk about Shackleton in 2010, when Captain Joe was the first speaker in the Telling Stories speaker series. All proceeds from this talk benefit Vashon Community Care. Ticket sales are by donation and are available in advance at Vashon Book Shop or Vashon Community Care. The Telling Stories Speaker Series is made possible by a generous donation from the estate of David W. and Catharine A. Carr.