Ella Hibbert’s Groundbreaking Arctic Expedition
Setting Sail from Gosport
Yachtswoman Ella Hibbert has embarked on a remarkable journey, casting off from Haslar Marina in Gosport. With the ambitious goal of becoming the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the Arctic, this epic expedition will cover an impressive 10,000 miles, navigating both the Northwest and Northeast Passages.
A Mission with a Purpose
At just 28 years old, Ella is not only a skilled Yachtmaster instructor but also a passionate advocate for environmental change. Her vessel, a 1978 38ft Bruce Roberts offshore steel ketch named Yeva, is sailing to raise awareness about the dramatic melting of Arctic ice. Ironically, the very melting ice caps that make this journey feasible also underscore the urgent climate issues she aims to highlight.
Mapping the Course
Ella’s circumnavigation officially begins at 66.5°N between Norway and Iceland, on the precipice of the Arctic Ocean. From this starting point, she will venture north of Iceland, around the southern tip of Greenland, and through the Northwest Passage. Her route will take her across northern Alaska and into northern Russia, where she’ll traverse the East Siberian, Kara, and Laptev Seas. The journey will culminate with a passage through the Northeast Passage back to Norway and ultimately return to Gosport.
Preparation for the Arctic Challenge
Preparation for such a monumental expedition has not been taken lightly. Ella has dedicated three years to meticulously plan and train for this journey, which is expected to take between five to eight months. Last year, she honed her skills by sailing for several weeks within the Arctic Circle, immersing herself in the challenging conditions that lie ahead.
Equipped for Adventure
Yeva has been outfitted with a range of essential equipment to ensure Ella’s safety and connectivity throughout the voyage. She will utilize Iridium satellite communications to stay in touch with her shore team and receive timely weather updates. With solar panels, wind and water generators, a watermaker, and a Hydrovane self-steering system on board, Ella aims to rely on her diesel engine only when absolutely necessary, prioritizing sustainability.
Research and Education on the High Seas
Beyond the adventurous spirit of her journey, Ella is committed to conducting research that illustrates the devastating impacts of climate change. Her expedition has received endorsement from the British Scientific Exploration Society, which connected her to the International Seakeepers Society.
Ella is set to perform depth soundings of the seabeds, contributing to the International Seakeeper Society’s 2030 Seabed project. To further engage the younger generation, she has created a lesson plan for school children, allowing them to track her progress and document wildlife sightings throughout the journey.
Navigating Challenges Ahead
One of the significant hurdles Ella anticipates is managing sleep deprivation. Last year, during her Arctic training, she maintained a challenging routine of short 20-minute naps, checking her surroundings continuously. While this strategy worked for short durations, she acknowledges that sustaining this pattern for extended periods poses a real challenge.
In areas of open water, Ella plans to ‘heave to’ for longer rests when conditions allow. However, navigating tricky currents, particularly in the Northwest Passage, may necessitate frequent wake-ups to keep an eye on ice drifting into her vicinity. She’s found that the Northeast Passage is surprisingly shallow, allowing for multiple anchor points along the route.
A Journey Beyond Records
Ella emphasizes that her expedition is not merely about setting records. It carries a bittersweet recognition of the environmental realities that make this journey possible. Her hope is that through her experiences and observations, she can inspire others to perceive the urgent situation in the Arctic and promote action towards change.
Ella Hibbert’s trek is set against a backdrop of climate urgency, navigating the stunningly beautiful yet rapidly changing Arctic landscape, and weaving together adventure, education, and advocacy.