Matt Rutherford, navigator and founder of the Ocean Research Project, is trying to circumnavigate the Arctic in solitary, an extreme enterprise that requires preparation, determination and deep knowledge of the sea. The goal of the journey, which begins from Aasiaat, Greenland, and ends in the same port but in the opposite direction, is to become the first person to make this crossing in a single season, without assistants and without interruptions. The company, which will take place through the Russian waters, the North Pole and the eastern coasts of the Arctic, represents a further challenge for a man who has already conquered world records and attracted global attention with his journey around America.
A research and awareness-raising experience
Rutherford’s journey is not only a personal undertaking, but also an opportunity to raise funds and raise awareness of climate issues. The Ocean Research Project, a non-profit organization based in the Gulf of Maryland, has already conducted seven scientific explorations in the Arctic on board the research ship Marie Tharp. The project needs funding to repair the current engine, a 1960 unit, and to buy scientific sensors. Rutherford has made it clear that his journey, while being an extreme experience, also serves to promote research and involve the public in concrete action.
The trip is an opportunity to raise funds and raise awareness of the public. Rutherford stressed that his main objective is to raise funds for the research project, which needs funding to continue work. The company, which will take place alone, is an opportunity to involve the public in a concrete action. Rutherford’s experience, which has already led seven trips to the Arctic, has made him more confident, but the path he has chosen is the most difficult he has ever faced.
A restored boat and intense preparation
Rutherford used a Valiant 42 boat, a 40-foot boat with a cutter-ketch sail system, renovated for six months in Annapolis. The boat has been completely renovated, with a Yanmar 57 engine, new sails, an electric generation system and a polycarbonate enclosure to protect the cabin. The preparation was intense, with tests of resistance and tests at sea, and Rutherford stressed that the boat, although renovated, is “almost new”. His previous experience, including seven trips to the Arctic, made him more confident, but the path he chose is the most difficult he ever faced.
The preparation was extreme and the boat is almost new. Rutherford stressed that the boat, although restructured, is “almost new” and that its previous experience made it safer than itself. The path he chose is the most difficult ever faced, but his preparation and knowledge of the sea made it safer. The company, which will take place through the Russian waters, the North Pole and the eastern coasts of the Arctic, represents a further challenge for a man who has already conquered world records and attracted global attention with his journey around America.
Rutherford also stressed the importance of travel as an awareness tool. The Ocean Research Project, which has already conducted scientific explorations in the Arctic, needs funding to continue work. Rutherford has made it clear that his journey, while being an extreme experience, also serves to involve the public in a concrete action. The company, which will take place alone, is an opportunity to raise funds and raise awareness of climate issues.