As some of you know, my original plan for this summer was to sail solo westbound through the Northwest Passage to Alaska and eventually back to my home cruising grounds in the Pacific Northwest. However, last summer I got interested in the bigger idea of completing a solo circumnavigation of the entire Arctic, something that’s never been done before. The route necessarily goes through the Russian Arctic, requiring a permit from them for the transit. I started communicating with the Russians about this voyage last September. The discussions progressed to the point where I submitted my formal permit application document package last week. From their intermediate review of my plan, I think what I submitted is acceptable. However, they’ve told me there is currently a technical problem with their ability to process applications for foreign vessels. Hopefully, the problem will be resolved soon. If not, I’ll revert to plan B – westbound through the Northwest Passage. I’m preparing Phywave for either possibility.
I’ve been reviewing the nautical charts for the Russian Arctic. It’s really out there, a wild and strange place; it’ll be like sailing to the moon. I really hope I get a permit to go up there.
Phywave Preparations
I’ve completed the commissioning of Phywave – the engine, generator, watermaker, freshwater and other water systems flushed out and running, replacing the non-toxic antifreeze that was in there to keep them from freezing. They had some exceptionally cold weather here this past winter.
I bought a new 100 meter 10 mm G4 chain and 25 kg Rocna vulcan anchor.
I’ll be replacing the Webasto heater this week because I still can’t get it to run even after completely redoing the fuel system.
I’ll also replace the exhaust elbow on the Volvo Penta engine with a stainless steel version. This elbow rusted through in Indonesia causing a lot of problems. I had no choice there but to replace it with another cast iron version there but I don’t trust it not to rust out again so I’m replacing it with a stainless steel elbow as many others have.
I’ve installed a new Vitrifrigo 2 drawer refrigerator/freezer combination to replace the 2 drawer refrigerator only I had before.
I replaced all the plastic diesel jerry cans I bought in Puerto Montt, Chile, with new ones, and added 8 more. That gives me a total diesel capacity of 860 liters. That may seem excessive for a sailboat but for where I may be going, it may be necessary.
Many other small projects and reorganizing, jettisoning stuff I never used and now realize I never would use. I learned a few things on my 7 continents voyage.
I decided to install lithium house batteries but I’m hedging my bet by installing an additional AGM start battery in parallel with the first and a crossover switch so I can run the house off the start batteries if necessary. The lithium’s have internal battery managment systems (BMS) that with shut the batteries off if it detects an unsafe condition like a too-high charging voltage. That would leave the boat totally dark – no nav, no AIS, no AP, no lights, nothing. So I want to be able to quickly switch to an alternate power source while I address the problem. The battery project also includes some upgrades like replacing the Victron inverter with a Victron Multiplus that will serve as both charger and inverter.
Right now I’m more concerned about scheduling. To meet my sailing schedule for this summer, I really want the boat back in the water the first week of June when I’ll be heading north for Newfoundland. The major remaining projects are:
1. I’m trying to get the hull blasted and all new barrier coats and anti-fouling applied but the well-regarded contractor here is dragging their feet on it. I need to bug them tomorrow and get them to commit to having the boat ready for the water by June 1.
2. Battery project. The gear is here but getting the techs scheduled to do the installation will require some push. I also had them commit to finishing by June 1 before I paid the deposit.
3. Rigging inspection, headsails back on, lubricate everything, etc. I have the riggers lined up for this as soon as Phywave is back in the water. I don’t expect any problems here. I’ve already replaced some lines that were chafed and so infused with salt they squeaked going through the winches.