>>1735039I call bullshit,
he can basically get some old steel hulled yacht with unfun sailing characteristics gifted that has been sitting in storage for the last 20 years and they'd be happy to just have it off the lot.
Then he'll get the rigging renewed with even more worn out handmedowns (or maybe something that sat in the marina during a hurricane etc.) and be off for virtually only slipping fees to spend the rest on the engine and some heating/insulating solution. Contrary to your belief there is no border checkpoints around the continent that will send him back if his kit doesn't live up to your personal preferences.
I won't comment on if this is a highly darwinistic endeavour, or what he should or shouldn't do with a non ice rated/shaped hull, but the man wants to go to Antarctica for 2500quid ffs, what do you honestly expect?
Apart from that the outcome of expeditions in the past was almost never due to equipment, but rather ingenuity, judgement and honestly luck.
