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Our Electric Sailboat made it to an Island near the North Pole ! — Sailing Uma [Step 288]

16 December 2021 · 22 min · 360K views · Svalbard

What this video covers

Dan and Kika navigate their electric-powered sailboat, Uma, to a glacier in Svalbard, reaching approximately 79 degrees north latitude.14:21 The crew manages the risks of an active, calving glacier, where shifting winds and tides create a constant flow of icebergs that threaten the fiberglass hull, propeller, and rudder.15:43 They maintain a 24-hour ice watch to avoid collisions with floating chunks, noting that the glacier’s activity produces sounds ranging from sharp cracks to deep, thunderous rumbles.1:44 The pair uses VHF radios to coordinate photography and dinghy operations while drifting near the glacier face.16:30 They emphasize that the electric motor provides superior low-speed maneuverability and quiet operation, which facilitates communication and positioning in the remote, signal-free environment.15:53 Due to the unpredictable nature of the ice flow and the lack of a support crew, they decide to depart the anchorage to avoid becoming trapped by icebergs.12:52 The experience marks the northernmost point of their multi-year journey.14:37

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