In nautical challenges, new construction is often the default norm. Alongside the geographical challenge comes a methodology goal: minimizing expedition impact. To achieve this, our technical choices are driven by two principles: reuse and sobriety.
In the Beginning: The Boat
The first decision was not to build a new boat. The temptation was strong: a brand new boat means a custom-tailored design. But building a specific boat when so many existing vessels lie underutilized seemed absurd. The choice was made to find an existing sailboat and adapt it in depth for Passing through the North. After a long search, we found a 25-year-old trimaran with a unique history: Paradox.
Reuse: Reconditioned Boat and Equipment
For Passing through the North, the objective is to place reuse at the core of every technical choice! That means equipping ourselves entirely with second-hand or refurbished gear, or reconditioning equipment ourselves by repairing and restoring components.
Valuing existing resources: I use second-hand and refurbished gear whenever possible, drastically reducing raw material consumption.
Sobriety: A Human-Scale Project
Extending equipment lifespan reduces expedition impact. But the primary action is limiting consumption altogether! Passing through the North was designed as a human-scale project: a small crew, minimal logistics, and simple technical choices. These are also guarantees of reliability and repairability in hostile polar conditions!