Because of the very difficult and dangerous ice conditions in the Russian Arctic along the Northern Sea Route (NSR) this year, the NSR authorites advised us yesterday to postpone our planned transits until next year when more favorable ice conditions may be present. Currently, things are so difficult that ice-rated commercial ships are getting stuck and requesting icebreaker assistance. The weather forecast calls for sub-zero temperatures across the Chukchi and New Siberian Seas next week. Obviously, ice conditions will worsen with such weather.

In a previous post I noted how I was waiting in Hammerfest, Norway, for ice conditions to improve in the Vilkitsky Strait. Well, now I will be looking for a weather window to head back to the US East Coast; my plans are uncertain after that. It’s unlikely I’ll try this solo Arctic circumnavigation next year.

There were four solo sailors attempting to transit the NSR this year. Matt Rutherford in Chimera and me in Phywave were trying to sail eastbound. Ella Hibbert in Yeva and a young Brazilian woman, Tamara Klink, in Sardinha 2 were attempting to sail westbound. All of us will have to make new plans.