Ice in the rigging

This article is by Josh

The passage to Greenland was cold, proper cold. Especially once we crossed into the East Greenland Current, which brings with it ice and fog, quite the pleasant combination. Nick proclaims this was his coldest trip yet; I'm very grateful to my mother (Val) and partner (Rhiannon) for the excellent home spun and knitted jersey and wool hat respectively; I stayed very warm and didn't touch my new down jacket once.

In wool we trust. Thanks Rhiannon and Mum!

Sailing in thick fog (at times <50 m visibility) with the prospect of ice around is an intense, adrenalized experience, while being eerily serene. Throw in the lack of radar and other modern tech, and there's a decent potential for some "squeaky bum time". Luckily for us, the only ice encountered was generally big, and easy to see. A week before we left Iceland the coast off Scoresby Sund was 50% ice; we had an essentially clear run in. Disturbing from the perspective of rapid climate changes.

A few photos and amateur haiku impressions of sailing above the arctic circle below.

Bowman's Lament 

Hank-on headsails and

F***ing freezing fingers and

A spray-lashed bowsprit.

Bob Dylan Knew 

Hard rain's gunna fall

On the cockpit trapt' helmsman

Ice from the rigging

Josh