Our latest Third Age Expeditions column for Luxe Beat Magazine called “Last Tango in Paris: Napoléon’s Tomb” was published today and it has garnered us another “Editor’s Picks.”
Here is a link to the story: Here
Underwater Playground: Underwater Photo Feature
Underwater Photo Feature
I just received a PDF of a photo feature about my underwater photography which was published in the “Lens Flare” section of “Ocean: The World of Luxury Yachting” magazine which is published in the land down under. You know, that place where women glow and men plunder. Yes, indeed, I’m talking about Australia.
Ocean Magazine
A huge thank you to Hillary Buckman (Mother, wife, slave to business, wine lover, ocean protector, traveller and lover of the odd party) and her team at Ocean Media Australia for featuring my underwater photography.
Here is a link to Ocean: The World of Luxury Yachting online magazine: Here
Explorers Talk: The Morning After
The Gods Were Smiling
It hit me last night soon after I started Explorers Talk with some opening comments. Kathryn had just introduced the first speaker, Jude Isabella, Chief Editor of Hakai Magazine, when it occurred to me that all the months of organizing, coordinating and preparation leading up to this evening was all in the lap of the gods now. Jude was about 2 minutes into her presentation and I’m sitting in the audience thinking… “Ohhh, this is good!” Clearly, the gods were smiling.
Indeed, the Explorers Club – Canadian Chapter Fellows from the BC / Yukon Region who had graciously agreed to give presentations all knocked it out of the park.
Jett Britnell gives opening remarks at Explorers Talk, Nov 5th 2019, Aquaquest Theatre at Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver Canada. Photo by Craig Minielly.Jude Isabella
Jude Isabella presented “Taking the Measure of a Mysterious Monkey” which was about the plight of Borneo’s fascinating Proboscis monkey.
Jude Isabella. Photo by Craig Minielly.Isabelle Groc
Isabelle Groc’s stunning photography visually illustrated her long-term study of Sea Otters in a presentation titled, “A Journey into the Sea Otter Coast.”
Isabelle Groc. Photo by Craig Minielly.Phil Nuytten
Phil Nuytten’s presentation “Land that Devours Ships” was about the first High Arctic dives in 1981 on the Breadalbane (a British merchant ship which sank in the Barrow Strait near Nunavut’s Beechey Island in 1853) using the WASP, an atmospheric diving suit similar to the Newtsuit. Phil also gave us an enticing glimpse into some ongoing modern-day undersea exploration being conducted in Greece wherein the Hellenic Navy is surveying what has been called “the Titanic of the Ancient World,” the Antikythera treasure shipwreck.
Phil Nuytten. Photo by Craig Minielly.Antikythera Mechanism
Among the sunken treasures discovered in this Roman-era shipwreck dating from the second quarter of the first century BC, was the celebrated “Antikythera Mechanism,” an ancient Greek analogue computer used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses for calendar and astrological purposes decades in advance. All the statues and other treasures onboard when the vessel sank were gifts destined to be delivered to Julius Caesar. Just pause to think about that… gifts destined for Julius Caesar.
Phil Nuytten at Explorers Talk. Photo by Craig Minielly.Time, He’s Waiting in the Wings
Our primary concern was to respect the audience’s time by not running overtime. As it turned out, we ended the three presentations with 30 minutes to spare. I asked the audience if they would like to see a brief presentation of some underwater images from British Columbia? It was unanimous, so I gave a presentation called, “Tropical Splendour…in a Cold Sea.” Afterwards, a heartfelt thank you to all… some gifts of appreciation for our speakers… and wham bam… we had all exited the theatre spot on time at 9PM.
Jett Britnell presenting, Nov 5th 2019, Aquaquest Theatre at Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver Canada. Photo by Craig Minielly.The Audience
We are filled with gratitude to all who attended Explorers Talk. Some attendees came from as far away as Abbotsford, Whistler, Salt Spring Island and Vancouver Island. Apart from the Explorers Club members who came, I feel we succeeded in creating greater awareness about the The Explorers Club through our outreach to the general public with this event.
Explorers Talk audience. Photo by Craig Minielly.Kathryn Britnell
No event of this magnitude just happens, nor is it the reflection of work by just one person. Along with the speakers, the Vancouver Aquarium supported us in providing a theatre and Audio Visual and Security personnel at a price far below what they usually charge. My multi-talented wife, Kathryn, coordinated the event insurance through SBC Insurance Agencies Ltd., and also took on the duties of introducing each speaker and inviting them to the stage.
Kathryn Britnell. Photo by Craig Minielly.Our Volunteers
We also were the beneficiaries of support from three amazing volunteers. We enlisted the assistance of local photo pro, Nikon Ambassador, and TEC Member, Craig Minielly to photograph the event. In return for his photographic prowess, I promised him he would be handsomely rewarded with EXPOSURE (yes, we both chuckled over that). Coleen Clancy, TEC’s Social Media Goddess, performed her social media voodoo during the event, took some photos, and supported us in promoting Explorers Talk in the days and weeks leading up to the event. Coleen messaged me last night, “I have more that I will post tomorrow. Thanks again! It was a great night. My friend Erzsi now wants to become a member.” And last, but certainly not least, our friend and fellow Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellow, Ruby Banwait, answered our call to check off names on the guest list as people arrived. Craig, Coleen and Ruby, you are the best! Thank you for your friendship and support in helping to make Explorers Talk a success.
Explorers Talk evening with Phil Nuytten. Photo by Craig Minielly.Inhale love, Exhale Gratitude
Well, that as they say, is a wrap. There were several people in the audience who enthusiastically wanted to know when the next Explorers Talk will be? Good question? As I said to Kathryn over a late dinner last night, that question is somewhat akin to asking a mother just moments after she has given birth… “When are you going to have your next baby?” In that moment, you just want to absorb what just happened. Ask me again… in a few months. At this moment… I’m inhaling love… and exhaling gratitude.
My Tattoo
A photo of my tattoo
A photo of my tattoo was once published in Canada’s Diver Magazine. It was part of larger feature story about scuba divers who have tattoos. This photo request was by far one of the strangest requests I have ever received from a dive magazine editor.
“You have Orcas there, right?”
Getting a tattoo was the furthest thing from my mind when I stepped off the plane on the Cook Islands in April 2003. The original tribal body art design that adorns my right bicep depicts stylized whale tails breaking the ocean’s surface. While the tattoo was being applied, the tattoo artist and I discussed where I was from. Upon learning I lived in British Columbia he asked, “You have Orcas there, right?” He added an Orca’s fin to the final design. My tattoo artist was “T” (Tetini Pekopo) of T’s Tattoos on Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. He is native and does mainly traditional Cook Island tattoo designs but also creates some interesting contemporary patterns using traditional Polynesian motifs. His studio is extremely busy so one must book an appointment. “T” is known throughout Polynesia as a traditional artist and tattooist who is extremely talented, possessing incredible knowledge and skill.
Overall, a rather spontaneous decision on my part that I have never regretted.
Graveyard of the Great Lakes: Tobermory’s Shipwrecks
Our latest Third Age Expeditions column for LuxeBeat Magazine has been awarded “editor’s pick.” The editor commented… “Perfect article for October.” Kathryn and I were not thinking about Halloween when the finishing touches to the piece were added, so incorporating the word “Graveyard” into the article’s title was kismet.
The Red Dot Marks The Spot
Explorers Talk At The Vancouver Aquarium, November 5th!
Explorers Talk!
It is my distinct pleasure that I can now formally announce who the speakers will be for “Explorers Talk” on November 5th, at the Vancouver Aquarium Theatre. In no particular order, they are:
Jude Isabella, FI’19
Jude is Founder and Editor in Chief of Hakai Magazine, a magazine focused on science and society in coastal ecosystems. As a freelancer, she writes about science and the environment for readers young and old. Her book, “Salmon: A Scientific Memoir” (2014), explores the human relationship with Pacific salmon and chronicles her discoveries and thoughts collected over a four-year period in the field with scientists who study British Columbia’s coastal ecosystem.
Isabelle Groc, FI’13
Award-winning environmental writer and conservation photographer, Isabelle Groc shares her passion for everything wild, big and small, on land, in water, on the move. Her work focuses on environmental science, wildlife natural history and conservation, endangered species, marine mammals and ecosystems, and the changing relationships between people and the natural world. She aims to create engaging stories that increase our understanding and awareness of conservation issues and inspire change.
Phil Nuytten, FI’85
A recipient of the Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia, internationally recognized pioneer in the diving industry, Phil Nuytten has spent 40 years creating deep-water dive products that have opened the ocean’s depths to exploration and industry. Among his many pursuits Phil is an inventor; scientist; Sub-sea engineer; commercial diver; deep-sea explorer; author; carver and native advocate; entrepreneur; designer of the Newtsuit and the Exosuit; publisher of DIVER Magazine, the longest-established scuba magazine in North America; President of Nuytco Research; opened his first dive store in 1957; founded Can-Dive Service in 1966; co-founder of Oceaneering International in 1969; took part in the first saturation dive under polar ice; took part in the first mixed-gas dives under polar ice; given the name Tlaxwsam (Red Snapper) by the Kwakwaka’wakw tribe. Yes, we’re willing to take a chance on this multi-talented local kid who announced back in September 2018 that he was designing, and planned to build, an underwater human settlement off of the coast of Vancouver, Canada in the Pacific Ocean.
It is with immense gratitude that I extend our deepest thanks to all three of these Explorers Club Fellows for generously agreeing to participate in the Explorers Club, Canadian Chapter, BC / Yukon Region’s first Explorers Talk event. Many thanks also to all who put their name forward.
Jett Britnell FI’16, FRCGS, FRGS
Regional Director BC/Yukon
Canadian Chapter
The Explorers Club
Raptures of the Deep: Beneath British Columbia’s Emerald Sea
“Raptures of the Deep: Beneath British Columbia’s Emerald Sea”, our latest Third Age Expeditions column for Luxe Beat Magazine, has just been published.
Splendor In The Pass
Queen Charlotte Strait lies between the “top end” of Vancouver Island and British Columbia’s mainland. It is an immense waterway with narrow, constricted passages, fjord-like inlets, large islands and a tangled maze of scrawnier weather-beaten islets. Seasonal upwellings combined with extreme tidal water movement produces an enriched planktonic soup that supports a lush profusion of exotic marine life and more than 400 species of marine fish. These waters also support a healthy population of marine mammals and are deemed to be one of the best places on earth to observe seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoise, Minke whales, grey whales, humpback whales and a resident pod of more than 100 killer whales.
Link to story here
Explorers Talk in Vancouver, November 5th
As the Explorer Club’s Regional Director, BC/Yukon, Canadian Chapter, it is with great pleasure I can now confirm “Explorers Talk” in Vancouver is all systems go!
Tickets available here: Explorers Talk Tickets
The Vancouver Aquarium Theatre is booked for the evening of November 5th!
A call for three presenters from the Explorer Club’s BC / Yukon Chapter is in progress. Soon after August 1st, we will announce the speakers.
$20.00 general admission tickets will be offered exclusively to BC/Yukon Explorers Club membership for two weeks. After that, all remaining tickets will be made available for sale to the public. We will post when this happens.
So… take your protein pills and put your helmet on as the countdown has commenced for “Explorers Talk” in Vancouver.
Until then, dare to Explore… Dream… Discover.
Jett Britnell FI’16, FRCGS, FRGS
Regional Director BC/Yukon
Canadian Chapter
The Explorers Club
Fish Photography: The Ultimate Undersea Skill
Our latest Third Age Expeditions column about “Fish Photography: The Ultimate Undersea Skill” was published today by Luxe Beat Magazine. It was also selected as an Editors Pick Feature.
Approach tactics
Use whatever cover the reef terrain provides and keep the sun behind you. As you slowly creep forward, use as little extra movement as possible and decide how you will frame your subject. If the fish appears nervous, stop and play the waiting game. Every fish has a minimum approach distance. If you violate this limit, the fish will likely swim away. If the fish seem really skittish, simply leave the area and return later in the dive to try again. By then, they will have forgotten about you and resumed their normal routine.
Link to the full story: Here
Welcome to Nikon Professional Services!
Nikon Canada Rocks!
Happy to receive a note from Nikon Canada today advising that we are among an elite international group of special Nikon photographers and that we are now a Nikon Professional Services Member.
