We have been judged with a critical eye by some cruisers lately. Will we be putting our kids in unnecessary danger? Are they too young to really appreciate the adventure? Is your boat strong enough?
NO
NO
YES
In the summer of 2015 we plan to attempt the Northwest Passage, if you aren’t too sure what this is that’s ok because I really didn’t have a clue until a year ago. The NW Passage is the sea route through the Arctic Ocean. Yes we are talking about freezing temperatures, polar bears and icebergs big enough to sink the Titanic…again. But what we’re really talking about is stunning, untouched landscapes. Wildlife that is both fragile and robust. And the people, fighting to survive each year through the dark unforgiving winters and the short magical summers.
Even though our kids are young and probably won’t be able to remember the voyage we believe that they are at the perfect age to build confidence, appreciate nature and the importance of team work. Its in these young ages that they learn to respect their elders, learn that their role in the family is just as important as mine or Carl's. Living on the boat and experiencing different cultures at such a early age, its what dreams are made of. They may not catch that big yellow bus to school everyday but they will be receiving the best education that I could ever want for them. I want to teach them not to take life for granted. Learn useful skills, work the land, rejoice in the sunshine. I want to allow them to breathe in the beauty of nature, not just the dust from books. So honestly tell me now are we endangering our kids or strengthening them from the inside out?
If you check out our boat page above you will see that SV Salty is a TANK! She’s a steel 65’ Bruce Roberts sailboat. She has twin engines to power us through the toughest situations. We are different from any other boat that has attempted the passage, we have young children on board. Cruising with kids is not sailing the world selfishly dragging our kids kicking and screaming behind us, it's a lifestyle choice. Some days are spectacular, some days are ordinary and some plain out wretched. We won’t be taking any unnecessary risks that we would if we were traveling by ourselves, if the ice doesn’t break up as planned we will not push our luck because the threat of being iced in is very real. As always we watch the weather and sail only in fair conditions, that said the weather up north can get unpredictable.
We will be spending the spring tweaking her for the run north. We have been busying ourselves researching heaters, gear and communication equipment. But it’s always those little things that are the most troubling – how much flour should I really carry? Making sure that we will have enough food for the adventure is a daunting task. Can I really eat dried meat? Baked beans, we need LOADS of baked beans.
So if you know of any clothing outfitters, survival gear company's or bulk baked bean producers give them our email we would love to test drive your product in the most grueling conditions possible – THE ARCTIC.
SV SALTY – now accepting resumes for crew members wanting to test their Lego castle building skills in the Arctic. APPLY HERE
