Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Headed to Greenland

When I was a kid, I remember many late nights pouring over my grandfather's and father's collection of old (1900-1950's) National Geographic magazines, looking at articles about arctic expeditions and glaciers and snow. I spent my career around snow, cold and sometimes adventure.

With that in mind, I've been invited to crew on a boat from Maine to Nuuk Greenland. I am invited because of my sailing experience and mechanical knowledge. After a doctor visit to go over my physical limitations and issues during which he said "go for it", I'm 100% committed to go. Pretty excited about the opportunity as I've always dreamt about seeing the fiords, glaciers and icebergs of Newfoundland and Greenland. Lots of balls in the air to get ready. I've known the leader, a world renowned explorer and author, for decades. I have great confidence in the boat and know the extensive upgrades that have been made to it for the trip. The boat "Polar Sun" is a Stevens Custom 47. 


We will be leaving Maine on June 1 and arriving in Nuuk, Greenland around July 1 with several stops in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. I will fly from Nuuk to Iceland and back to Boston when I leave the boat. I will be keeping this blog updated on the preparations as we get ready and progress underway, when connectivity permits.

It's gonna get cold.

Saturday, April 9, 2022

Spring 2022 - time to get ready

 It's time to consider the job tasks for getting sv Oriane ready for launch. 

Friends are going to help Kathy get some tasks done next weekend. 

List to launch (not all will be done prior to launch)

  • Cover off
  • Batteries hooked up and charged
  • Solar panel hooked secured in temp location
  • Engine commissioned
  • Interior teak oiled
  • Hull waxed
  • Bottom paint touched up - multi-year ablative
  • New zincs installed
  • Dodger and bimini installed
  • Water system flushed and filled
  • Sails bent-on
  • Interior cleaned and straightened up
  • Solar panel affixed in summer location
  • Distance log reset to zero
  • Check safety gear - update as necessary
  • Documentation on board
  • Deck cleaned
  • Exterior wood refinished
  • Anchor chain - measured, length markers painted and anchor swivel installed 
  • Personal gear onboard - PFD, Foulies, etc
  • Holding tank pump out fitting replaced/fixed