Austral Explorer cannot proceed further north

by Graeme Kendall on 27 Aug 2005 It is with a heavy heart that I have made the decision not to proceed further towards the North west passage; the conditions are now too dangerous and I can't go against mother nature and commonsense.

The advice I have received from the Canadian Coast guard and the ice experts in the Arctic, and from fellow sailor Skip Novak on Pelagic is that the conditions in the passage are not favourable for this season.

The passage is not expected to open and a retreat would be dangerous. My plan is now to head south out of the ice bergs and make for Nuuk, the capital of Greenland which is also known as Godthab meaning Good Hope. The last land I saw had the same name some 8250 nautical miles ago.

After four months at sea and over 18000nm under the boat it is disappointing to have to change direction but there is an old fishermans saying that - a decision made early is better than one made too late.

I will continue these reports and would like to thank all those who have supported me and I hope that you will all continue to support the Variety childrens charity.

With respect, Graeme Kendall, 70 north, The Arctic Circle.

When the wind fades away and the fish stay at bay,

When the the rain you need never comes,

And the clouds obscure the sun and the sea turns grey,

You wished you'd sailed around the world on another day.

G.K

See the Australe Express website: www.astralexpress.com