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.