In late 2019 we came up with the idea to set on an adventure in Svalbard. We thought it would be an easy expedition. Svalbard is so close to Europe where most of the team is located, it is relatively safe, and easy to plan in terms of getting in and out. Nothing can go wrong. Except for the world, which at the beginning of 2020 decided to pause its activities for two years.
We attempted twice to cut through COVID-19's red tape. For the first time in 2020 and the second in 2021. On both occasions, we failed. Eventually, we managed to set sail in the Summer of 2022. During the three years of preparation, we learnt a lot about regulations introduced by the Governor of Svalbard, gun rental facilities and even the grocery store, which has its own set of rules related to expedition planning.
Finally, we were there, with a yacht full of supplies and ready to go. Thanks to the wonderful team, our trip gained a purpose and media coverage. Mateusz, our botanist, convinced us to go on a hunt for the northernmost carnivorous plant, which earned us flashlights from National Geographic Poland. Szczepan, who is a novelist, ensured every mile of our voyage was reported by a prominent Polish daily newspaper Wyborcza, through his satellite dispatches from the field.
Sailing
We have planned sailing for three years, thus even our backup plans had their contingencies. We encountered the first ice already in Forlandsundet, but it was never a problem during sailing, which took place always in the daylight present 24/7. The northernmost point we reached was on our approach to Widefjorden, just shy of 80 N. There, in eerie fog, we met our old friend - s/y Arctic Ice. We sailed in s/y Arctic Ice on numerous occasions along the Northern Norwegian coast. However, despite numerous calls on the radio, the crew remained silent and refused to shake hands on the water. The sailing part of the exploration - the entire 2 weeks - was divided into watches. With constant Sunlight outside, watches served as a reference point, dividing 2 weeks into shorter intervals of sleep, eating, adventure, and sailing. The officer on a watch was responsible for navigation, meticulous log-keeping, and safety.
Exploration
Oru Kayak equipped us with two foldable kayaks. These vessels proved to be helpful when exploring the barren lands of Svalbard, kayaking close to icebergs, and watching local fauna, which sometimes was willing to interact with us too much. At all times on land, we kept guard and carried guns in case a polar bear decided to make dinner from our crew. While on land, we tried to remain within sight of the yacht or the range of our radios.
Life in the desert
There she was! Sitting in a valley, like if taken from a cold version of Jurrasic Park, and unhurriedly hunting for scarce flies. We found the Northernmost carnivorous plant – Pingulica Alpina exactly where it was supposed to be. Except for the harmless carnivorous plants, we managed to see an abundance of seals and birds. On some occasions, we could see dolphins and whales. On the last day, we also saw the king of the Arctic, the polar bear.
Summary
We have spent 18 days in Svalbard, partially investing time in preparation and exploration on foot. We sailed for 14 days, logging more than 500 nautical miles.
This trip was greatly supported by: Helly Hansen, Odlo, NuYarn, Oru Kayaks, Seal Skinz, Peli Case, Hydro Flask, Orliteb, Fuji Film, and Leica.
Expedition Summary by Expedition Cooperative / Longyearbyen, August 2022
