From roughly 25 July 2024, Stefan will be part of an expedition team that will attempt to row the legendary Northwest Passage. They expect to reach Herschel Island, their finish line, next to the Alaskan border (see maps below), after 8 to 10 weeks. One member will always be on polar bear watch, because you don't want those pesky furries to dull the mood on board. The team will be completely unsupported.

[This map shows the route last year's team rowed.]

LAST YEAR'S FIRST LEG (OF TWO) OF THE EXPEDITION

Great thanks go to last year's expedition team, who successfully made it to the half-way point in Cambridge Bay. Due to work and family commitments, only two members of last year's team are joining again this year.

[This year's team will pick up the baton at last year's finish point, Cambridge Bay, and attempt to row to Herschel Island, almost all the way to Alaska.]

THE RISKS

Icebergs pose a very severe risk, especially because frequent occasions of thick fog mean that visibility might be down to two metres at times. There are no reliable maps. GPS and compasses do not work so close to the North Pole. And storms can be vicious up there. A separate expedition several years ago ended up with a heavily damaged boat, when the boat had been lifted entirely out of the water, then crashed back down into it in a vertical fashion. They were able to fix the leaks, reach the next settlement, and abandon. No fatalities.

[The world's largest land predator is actually a marine mammal: ursus maritimus]

STEFAN'S BACKGROUND

Stefan is an intermediate river rower and past adventures include Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, a descent down the deepest section of the UK's largest cave, a sump dive in another cave, and paddleboarding the Thames source to London. He is also a keen climber, long distance open water swimmer, and ultra-runner.

[Hermione, the expedition boat, in her current location at Cambridge Bay.]

FUNDRAISING FOR HACKNEY QUEST

Young people and families from all over the Borough of Hackney in Northeast London have been supported by Hackney Quest since 1988. This charity provides long term projects for the benefit of young people (and families) at risk of social exclusion. The activities range from free workout sessions to mentoring, skills training, assistance with job search, and art projects, to name just a few.

[This is relatively smooth sea. The waves can get a lot higher during the frequent storms.]

When Stefan arrived in London, 18 years ago, he lived in this part of London and experienced many of the issues, that Hackney Quest are addressing, from close proximity. When he moved to central London, he got closely involved in similar projects near his new home.

[Hermione being pulled to the starting line at Pond Inlet a bit over one year ago.]

Any amount, no matter how small, will make a difference. It will help us reach the goal of £10,000. Your donation will be greatly appreciated.