Sailing Around the North Pole

By David Rutter

The receding ice in the Arctic now brings about the opportunity for sailing around the North Pole. Norwegians Børge Ousland and Thorleif Thorleifsson will attempt this feat this coming northern summer. They will set sail from Oslo in on Midsummer’s Eve (June 23).

The journey is a long one, and to complete the journey in a single season a fast boat is needed. Ousland and Thorleifsson will make their attempt in a lightweight trimaran, a craft that can reach speeds of 20 knots. Having a fast boat is not without dangers and drawbacks – the craft is not able to power through thin ice, and needs to be able to avoid dangers such as pack ice which could cause damage to the vessel.

Børge Ousland and Thorleif Thorleifsson have successfully completed their circumnavigation. They are due to return to return to Oslo on October 23rd.
Image courtesy of Børge Ousland