Fort Ross

Thursday, August 28
We sailed from Port Leopold to Fort Ross overnight Monday keeping close to the west side of Prince Regent Inlet where there was supposed to be a clear lead. The ice conditions were good, with minimal ice, until we got about twelve miles out of Fort Ross where we got into a band of 5/10 ice. At one point, we really thought we weren't going to get out as there just didn't seem to be a way through and we kept getting blocked. The thick fog didn't help either. However, luck was with us, we kept at it and finally got out into clearer water. Shortly thereafter we joined the three boats already at Fort Ross: Arctic Tern (UK), Novara (UK) and Tandberg Polar (NO tug/barge). While at Port Leopold two other boats had decided to head back. So, we are down to just three yachts. We left Drina (AU) at anchor in Port Leopold and thought they'd soon be following us. They haven't turned up so we're not sure if they're still in or not. If so, they would make four yachts.

The wind has been blowing a steady NE25 since we arrived here at Fort Ross, the eastern gateway of Bellot Strait. Last year, the boats were first able to get through Bellot on August 23, five days ago. We are still waiting for the 9/10 ice on the western end to start clearing before attempting a transit. The nights are starting to close in and the days are speeding by. It is getting so late in the season we have decided we will stop at Cambridge Bay for the winter rather than try and press on for Inuvik. The other two boats still plan to try and get around Alaska before freezeup. Cambridge Bay is only about 300 miles from here, but, until we can proceed it may as well be as far as the moon. Every day we all wait anxiously for the latest ice chart to come out to see if there has been any positive change. We're hopeful we can make an attempt in a day or two. The 'back door' is closing behind us as well. Soon, going backwards won't even be an option.

Last night the whole fleet paid a visit to the Tandberg Polar to enjoy some Arctic Stew (seal meat). It was very good and a great evening was had by all.

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Fort Ross 28/8/2014 12:00 72°00.8'N 094°12.4'W