New Zealander sails the Northwest Passage solo in 12 days

by Nancy Knudsen on 26 Sep 2010 A New Zealander has this season transited the Northwest Passage, solo, in 12 days on his yacht, Astral Express.

Graeme Kendall, who last made the attempt in 2005 and was forced to turn back, has finally achieved his dream.

It has also garnered him a world record for the fastest solo passage through the dreaded Passage.

He entered Lancaster Sound on August 27th & exited Barrow Point on September 9 non-stop in a record 12 days.

Authorities in the region are estimating Kendall's time could also be the fastest recorded, against crewed vessels that have also sailed through the passage.

His passage is part of a circumnavigation of the world to include the Northwest Passage.

Astral Express is a 12.5 metre yacht, with a saloon pilot house and inside steering for Arctic conditions.

It is built of Kevlar with a reinforced bow and a steel retractable keel to attain a minimum 4ft draft, and built in buoyancy to make it virtually unsinkable.

It was developed by marine architect Greg Elliot for long distance passage making and with a small easily manageable sail plan.

When Kendall attempted the crossing five years ago he was held back by significant ice flows blocking the passage. This year the ice conditions were more favourable although there were still a number of vessels that couldn't get through.

The Northwest Passage has only recently become a navigable reality with the aid of satellite technology, which has given sailors the ability to monitor ice flows, and therefore a safe passage during the months of August and September.

Warmer Arctic conditions have also contributed to making this milestone achievable.

Kendall is currently sailing through the Bering sea and plans to continue to sail south down the Pacific Ocean non-stop to Auckland, planning to arrive mid-late October.

This journey is the second stage of a major circumnavigation covering 32 of the world's seaways and oceans, the first leg of which covered over 18,000 nautical miles and took over 4 months of non stop unassisted sailing.