59° North Sailing · video

What this video covers

Matt Rutherford is currently sailing solo in the Arctic, navigating toward the Northern Sea Route while managing ice conditions and technical challenges on his vessel. He reached latitudes above 81 degrees north near Svalbard, encountering 20-to-30-knot winds and significant chafe on his furler and reefing lines.0:03 To prepare for potential engine failure in remote waters, he deliberately ran his modern common-rail engine dry on Georges Bank to master the manual bleeding process, discovering the system is not self-bleeding as advertised.22:31 He relies on Starlink for ice data and navigation but expects to lose connectivity within 12 miles of Russian territory due to local regulations.2:19 For mandatory daily check-ins with Moscow, he carries an Iridium satellite device, which he finds significantly slower and less efficient than Starlink.1:19:17 Rutherford is documenting the expedition to raise funds for his non-profit polar research organization, which faces budget cuts.1:21:02 He emphasizes that proactive maintenance and testing systems in calm conditions are essential for Arctic survival.

Boats in this video

More from 59° North Sailing

Matt Rutherford // Far North of RussiaAug 2026Will Sofrin // The Nazi Origins of the USCG EAGLEJun 2026Jimmy Cornell // The Godfather of Offshore CruisingJun 2026Gunnar Christensen // From Yacht Captain to Golden Globe SailorJun 2026

From 59° North Sailing — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.