Passing through the North

a sailing expedition around the world and to the edges of the Arctic
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passing through the north

The first world circumnavigation under pure sail via the Northern Hemisphere.

In 1521, Spanish sailors completed the first circumnavigation of the globe. This winter, racing boats are attempting to break the world circumnavigation record. They sail 6 times faster than Spanish caravels, but apart from the direction of rotation, their route has barely changed: a 22,000 nautical mile course via the three capes.

In the North, melting sea ice in the Arctic is revealing a new ocean. Water that used to be frozen is becoming navigable, opening wild and untouched coastlines. In summer 2027, I will sail around the World, under pure sail and without an engine, through the North and the Arctic. A shortcut and an unprecedented route made possible by ingenious and bold navigation choices.

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sobriety and reuse

The method: reviving a former racing boat and using 100% second-hand equipment, from solar panels to drysuits. The goal: a carbon footprint 1,500 times lower, proving that an ambitious and exciting athletic project can be led with minimal impact while promoting circular economy!

This circular approach aligns with low-tech ingenuity and DIY adaptability in preparing the boat for an unprecedented route. It is the opportunity for a powerful narrative: a human and athletic adventure with a minimal environmental footprint that embodies circular values!

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The ocean

Melting sea ice in the Arctic opens a new ocean and releases wild shorelines. As a consequence of rising temperatures, over the years, less ice forms in winter and more melts in summer. North of Greenland, Canada, or Siberia, melting sea ice is rendering navigable the sea that used to be frozen.
By analyzing satellite imagery over recent summers and ice condition trends, I confirmed the feasibility. A determined crew equipped with a perfectly adapted sailboat can navigate both the Northeast Passage, north of Eurasia, and the Northwest Passage, north of America. In doing so, I will complete a world circumnavigation via the shortest route. It is now up to me to deliver the practical proof!

Accomplishing an athletic and technical performance

Completing an unassisted Arctic circumnavigation under pure sail represents an unprecedented navigation feat, requiring technical ingenuity, endurance and adaptation to the polar environment. It will be a notable first.

October 2024 - February 2025

Initialization & Planning

Choice and acquisition of the boat
Assembly of the crew
Theoretical study and routing simulations based on 4 years of archive weather & satellite data
Design of technical solutions required for this navigation
Management of administrative procedures (authorizations, visas, clearances)

February 2025 - July 2026

Technical refit on the boat

Conveyance of the sailboat to Lorient and refit: complete structural check, reliability enhancement, and weight reduction.
Preparation and specific adaptation of the boat: maneuver simplification, sail area expansion, structural reinforcements, pedal drive, safety systems, etc.

August 2026 - June 2027

Training & boat optimizations

Sea trials, iterations and validations
Training, team coaching and preparation.

July - September 2027

Expedition

Departure in July 2027
Arrival in September 2027

October 2027 - May 2028

Post-expedition

Promotion of the expedition through a series of events
Refit and exhibition of the boat in Lorient and in Paris, on the Seine.

LIGHTNESS

BY LIMITING TECHNICAL MEANS, I ACCEPT MY VULNERABILITY AND FIND AN UNMATCHED CLOSENESS WITH THE ELEMENTS.

Water just inches away, wind on my cheeks and ice at my fingertips. My navigation is to sailing what alpine style is to mountaineering: a small autonomous team, simple and lightweight gear, and a human-sized sailboat bringing me closer to the environment. I accept my vulnerability and find an unmatched closeness with the elements.

SIMPLICITY

MY STRATEGY TO ACHIEVE MY GOAL

In a harsh environment, I choose the simple, robust, and repairable. I adapt to the Arctic environment at every moment and seek to understand it rather than fight it.

SOBRIETY