UPDATE POSTING IN JUNE 2024
We received over 50 inquiries through Explorers Connect. In fact, inquiries are still coming in. We have selected 3 persons from Explorers Connect to join us.
We are departing on 8 June and I will deliver a post expedition write up and photos. I am copying a pre-expedition summary below:
**Pre-Expedition Report for the Royal Geographical Society**
**Expedition Overview**
From June 8 to June 29, 2024, an international team of 15 explorers will embark on a maritime journey from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Nuuk, Greenland. The expedition will take place aboard a Challenge 67-class yacht, a robust 67-foot steel monohull sloop. The vessel, designed for demanding conditions, will be manned by a rotating crew of 12, with a mid-journey change of three members.
**Crew and Leadership**
The yacht will be captained by three seasoned skippers: Dominik Bac, Szczepan Twardoch, and Wojciech Jarosiński. Among the crew are three Royal Geographical Society Fellows: Greg Annandale, Vladimir Donkov, and Wojciech Jarosiński. This expedition is organized by the non-profit Expedition Cooperative, with participants selected for their extensive experience in polar sailing, accrued through previous expeditions with Expedition Cooperative and connections via the Explorers Connect website. This self-organized crew brings a wealth of knowledge, particularly in navigating icy waters in both the Southern and Northern Polar regions.
**Itinerary and Route**
The expedition is scheduled to depart Reykjavik no later than June 9. The team will navigate the Irminger Sea or Denmark Strait, depending on prevailing weather and ice conditions, aiming to reach Cape Farewell. The planned arrival in Qaqortoq, Greenland, on June 19 will facilitate the exchange of three crew members. The voyage will then proceed to Nuuk, Greenland, concluding on June 29 when the yacht will be handed over to a new crew. The total journey covers approximately 2,000 nautical miles in a straight line.
**Objectives**
The primary aim of the expedition is to capture the stark beauty of the Arctic through photography and videography. Additionally, the crew will undertake two significant research projects. The first, a biological study, involves sampling sea water to monitor environmental conditions. The second project, rooted in sociology, will examine the population dynamics of Greenlandic settlements.
**Challenges and Mitigation**
Sailing in polar regions presents inherent challenges such as severe weather, ice hazards, and isolation. Specific to this expedition are additional obstacles, including limited reliable nautical charts for Greenland's coastal waters and the need for thorough knowledge of the yacht’s condition. To address these risks, the team has conducted extensive research and meticulous planning to ensure a safe and successful voyage.
This expedition not only seeks to achieve its artistic and scientific goals but also aims to contribute valuable insights into the challenges and wonders of Arctic exploration.
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INITIAL JOIN A TEAM POSTING IN JANUARY 2024
In late 2019 we came up with the idea to set on an adventure in Svalbard. We thought it would be an easy expedition. Svalbard is so close to Europe where most of the team is located, it is relatively safe, and easy to plan in terms of getting in and out. Nothing can go wrong. Except for the world, which at the beginning of 2020 decided to pause its activities for two years.
We attempted twice to cut through COVID-19's red tape. For the first time in 2020 and the second in 2021. On both occasions, we failed. Eventually, we managed to set sail in the Summer of 2022. During the three years of preparation, we learnt a lot about regulations introduced by the Governor of Svalbard, gun rental facilities and even the grocery store, which has its own set of rules related to expedition planning.
Finally, we were there, with a yacht full of supplies and ready to go. Thanks to the wonderful team, our trip gained a purpose and media coverage. Mateusz, our botanist, convinced us to go on a hunt for the northernmost carnivorous plant, which earned us flashlights from National Geographic Poland. Szczepan, who is a novelist, ensured every mile of our voyage was reported by a prominent Polish daily newspaper Wyborcza, through his satellite dispatches from the field.
Sailing
We have planned sailing for three years, thus even our backup plans had their contingencies. We encountered the first ice already in Forlandsundet, but it was never a problem during sailing, which took place always in the daylight present 24/7. The northernmost point we reached was on our approach to Widefjorden, just shy of 80 N. There, in eerie fog, we met our old friend - s/y Arctic Ice. We sailed in s/y Arctic Ice on numerous occasions along the Northern Norwegian coast. However, despite numerous calls on the radio, the crew remained silent and refused to shake hands on the water. The sailing part of the exploration - the entire 2 weeks - was divided into watches. With constant Sunlight outside, watches served as a reference point, dividing 2 weeks into shorter intervals of sleep, eating, adventure, and sailing. The officer on a watch was responsible for navigation, meticulous log-keeping, and safety.
Exploration
Oru Kayak equipped us with two foldable kayaks. These vessels proved to be helpful when exploring the barren lands of Svalbard, kayaking close to icebergs, and watching local fauna, which sometimes was willing to interact with us too much. At all times on land, we kept guard and carried guns in case a polar bear decided to make dinner from our crew. While on land, we tried to remain within sight of the yacht or the range of our radios.
Life in the desert
There she was! Sitting in a valley, like if taken from a cold version of Jurrasic Park, and unhurriedly hunting for scarce flies. We found the Northernmost carnivorous plant – Pingulica Alpina exactly where it was supposed to be. Except for the harmless carnivorous plants, we managed to see an abundance of seals and birds. On some occasions, we could see dolphins and whales. On the last day, we also saw the king of the Arctic, the polar bear.
Summary
We have spent 18 days in Svalbard, partially investing time in preparation and exploration on foot. We sailed for 14 days, logging more than 500 nautical miles.
This trip was greatly supported by: Helly Hansen, Odlo, NuYarn, Oru Kayaks, Seal Skinz, Peli Case, Hydro Flask, Orliteb, Fuji Film, and Leica.
Expedition Summary by Expedition Cooperative / Longyearbyen, August 2022
