The James Caird Society was established in 1994 and is a registered charity.

It is the only institution dedicated to preserving the memory of Sir Ernest Shackleton, honouring his remarkable feats of discovery in the Antarctic and promoting the outstanding qualities of leadership associated with his name, particularly during the ill-fated but glorious Endurance Expedition.

How Shackleton maintained his men’s morale while stranded for months on the ice, when there seemed no hope of rescue, and eventually brought them all home safely is now seen as an achievement unique in the history of exploration.

The Society’s main purpose is to honour that achievement and preserve the memory of Sir Ernest’s unique qualities of leadership.

We do this through our newsletter, journal and website.

In addition, members meet twice a year at Dulwich College, Shackleton’s former school and home of the James Caird. Meetings typically consist of a reception around the boat, followed by a talk and a three-course dinner. These events are hugely enjoyable and well attended.

The Society also supports projects, usually expeditions, that emulate Shackleton’s spirit, particularly that demonstrated during the Endurance Expedition.

In recent years, the Society has donated to a number of such projects deemed to have put Shackleton’s leadership into action.

These include:

• The Shackleton Epic Expedition
• The restoration of Trevor Potts’ James Caird replica
• The Exercise Antarctic Endurance Expedition
• The Fire to Ice Expedition
• Baz Gray’s two Challenge Antarctica expeditions