Breaking Barriers in a Melting Arctic: First British Woman Solos Northwest Passage
by Bee Woodland 15 Sep 04:26 NZST
Yeva at anchor © Ella Hibber
British sailor Ella Hibber, 28, has arrived in Nome, Alaska, becoming the first British woman to sail solo through the fabled Northwest Passage. Her groundbreaking voyage not only marks a historic achievement but also shines a spotlight on how rapidly climate change is reshaping the Arctic.
Ella set out to attempt a pioneering solo circumnavigation of the Arctic Circle, aiming to highlight how rapidly sea ice is retreating due to climate change. The challenge: to prove such a voyage could now be completed in a single summer season, something historically impossible.
While she successfully navigated the Northwest Passage alone in her 38ft steel yacht Yeva, Ella also discovered that climate change is not only melting the ice but creating new and dangerous barriers. Unpredictable storms, shifting pack ice, and thousands of loose "bergy bits" (broken fragments of sea ice) have made navigation increasingly hazardous, particularly in poor visibility.
Her voyage was further complicated by gear failures, forcing her to make unscheduled stops in Iceland and Greenland early in the expedition. Now, with new ice already forming in Russian waters and the polar night approaching, experts have advised that it would be too dangerous to attempt the Northern Sea Route this season.
Instead, Ella will overwinter Yeva in Alaska before resuming her voyage in summer 2026.
So far, Ella has sailed more than 3,000 miles, facing stormy seas, gale-force winds, freezing conditions, shifting currents and constant maintenance challenges. Though supported by a small shore team led by her father, Rupert, who has provided remote weather and ice routing advice, Ella has been entirely self-reliant on board, carrying out all sailing, repairs and daily tasks alone.
Despite the hardships, the voyage has also brought moments of wonder. Ella has captured striking photography and video of Arctic wildlife including polar bears and bowhead whales, and has been warmly welcomed by communities in Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. She also speaks of the camaraderie amongst other high-latitude sailors she has met along the way.
Ella also wishes to thank her sponsors, who remain unanimously behind her. Their commitment has made this season's achievements possible, and they will continue to fully support her as she returns in 2026 to complete her Arctic circumnavigation.
"This has by far been the most challenging, exhilarating and eye-opening voyage I have ever undertaken. It is disappointing not to have been fast enough to do the North East Passage this season, yet I feel accomplished in what I have achieved, and look forward to continuing next year. I want to thank all of my sponsors, friends and family for their continued, unwavering support. I couldn't have done it without them!"
Ella's expedition will continue next year as she seeks to document the fragile and changing polar environment as she goes. She has documented her voyage on her social media channels in collaboration with her headline sponsor, Capital.com.