Planning an Arctic expedition demands meticulous preparation. Navigating remote areas requires a self-sufficient crew, capable of boat repairs. Polar bear encounters necessitate firearm training and permits. Extensive paperwork, including sailing, rifle, and landing permits, along with insurance, must be sorted well in advance. Despite challenges, the Arctic offers breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and continuous summer sunlight. Access planning resources at the provided link.
Svalbard
Distracted by a feeding Humpback Whale
On August 11, 2023, after dinner, we rendezvoused with Yuma, who was observing a humpback whale, leading to an hour of exceptional whale watching and photography. Although a nearby fin whale proved elusive to our cameras, we continued southward, sailing in light winds and calm seas despite intermittent rain.
We will take another night at Mariasundet before leaving Svalbard
On 10th August 2023, after leaving Barentsburg, we sailed to Mariasundet under sunny skies and mild conditions, opting for this location over windier southern regions. Despite forecasts for light wind, overnight gusts surprisingly reached over 30 knots, causing frequent anchor checks. Today, we’re holding steady in strong winds while Sarah serenades Steve with musicals in two languages, as we reminisce about sunsets.
Two nights in the Russian settlement Barentsburg
9th August 2023 After our bumpy night in Tempelfjord we decided to play it safe an spend a night at an anchorage outside of Longyearbyen. It was a perfect way to get back on top …
A rest in Longyearbyen and a little trip to Bjonahamna
6th August 2023 It has been quite on here because we have been relaxing in Longyearbyen – well not really relaxing but shopping for going south, prepping the engine and waiting.We also had time to …
Pyramiden – The Russian mining town
We visited an abandoned Russian settlement called Pyramiden. It was strange seeing these left buildings and seeing the ghostly mines in the mountains
We’ve got two days of sailing and internet!
We came to the small science city Ny Ålesund. Where we had a chance to use the internet a little after 2 and a half month without.
A nervous walk in London
With the Late Night watching the Bear it was a slow morning after having turned the day around again. We had a late breakfast and got our stuff together, so we could go look at London; an abandoned marble quarry established by the English only to find out that arctic marble crumbles when going South.
Off we go to London (AKA bear sighting no 2)
Just as we are about to anchor we see a polar bear walking across the hill. We decide to follow it from the boat and see it finding a dead walrus.
Spending a night at Bjørnhamna ( the post AKA “I miss cabbage”)
24th July 2023 After going to 80 degree North we had planned to anchor at Ytre Norskøya, where a part of the beach off limit because off 160 graves. When we got there the wind …