Urgent Message for Northwest Passage sailors

by Lisa Mylchreest on 17 Jul 2010 If you are not thinking of transiting the Northwest Passage above Canada this year, this message won't concern you. If you are, it's urgent! There is to be no propane in Cambridge Bay!

Remote Cambridge Bay is the largest stop for all vessels traversing the Arctic Ocean's Northwest Passage, where on can normally rely on obtaining all one's needs during a passage. Most yachts attempt to do it in one season - wintering over in Cambridge Bay looks a little like the picture below.

If yachts cannot get the all important propane for cooking and possibly heating in Cambridge Bay, they will either need to carry a full supply for the length of their voyage, or risk having very cold food in one of the most inhospitable sailing regions of the world.

Normal fuel supplies are still available.

Jaida Ohokannoak, Information Counsellor of the Arctic Coast Visitor's Centre reports that the ice is just beginning to break up and they can expect the first visitors to reach their bay within the next few weeks.

Part of Canada's Northern 'Early Warning System' Cambridge Bay, which boasts less than 1500 people, has three churches, three taxi services and two hotels.

Yachts wanting to check supplies and facilities can contact the

Arctic Coast Visitor Centre
P.O. Box 1198
Cambridge Bay, NU X0B 0C0
Ph: (867)983-2224
Fax: (867)983-2302
e-mail: coasters [at] qinqi.com