Sailing Polarisvideo
#77 | Expedition Svalbard: Last Checks Before Setting Sail for the Edge of the Ice
1 November 2025 · 22 min · 5K views · Tromsø
What this video covers
The crew of the 38-ft sailboat *Polaris* prepares for a high-latitude expedition from Tromsø, Norway, to Svalbard. To navigate the remote, ice-prone region, the owners, Daniel and Kathrin, upgrade their vessel with 100 meters of 10mm anchor chain to handle deep Arctic anchorages and increase their diesel capacity by 200 liters.2:30 They install Starlink for weather routing and connectivity, while maintaining an Iridium Go as a backup communication system.3:42 For safety against polar bears, they equip the boat with flares and deterrents.4:09 The crew conducts a sea trial to verify rigging and sail trim before clearing customs in Tromsø.6:57 During the initial passage, they utilize ECMWF and GDPS weather models to monitor wind shifts and sea states.10:39 They establish a watch schedule and hourly log system to manage the four-day transit toward Bjørnøya and Svalbard.18:07 The vessel maintains a steady speed of 6 to 7.5 knots under varying wind conditions, relying on both engine and sail power to reach their destination.21:00
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