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Vagabond update - Polar bears, 200 candles and ice melting in Inglefieldbukta
May 26, 2005 12: 13 EST
Vagabond achieved the first polar circumnavigation in 2003. While crossing the Davis Strait on 20th of September, Vagabond reached the Labrador Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Her success through the North-West Passage, followed her success through the North-East Passage, the 2 arctic routes that link the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Where's she now? Here's an update from the ship:
Inglefieldbukta, 20th May 2005
"Vagabond will sail again in few weeks time, it will be the end of a great wintering. After 4 months alone, without sun but bewitched by northern lights and moonshines, France and I saw the first snowmobiles arriving. Then some new experiments started, in addition to the measurements we have beendoing since October."
"From the end of the polar night, mid February, we have been welcoming 6 teams, one after the other, for about one week each time. We were also visited by my family, friends, skiers, dog sledges, cameramen, an artist, a journalist... and many polar bears!"
Trapped for 8 months
"Not long ago, one of them completely destroyed an equipment storage tent, coming back several times to finish his job! The intense activity slowed down early May, we are enjoying the midnight sun, and we are waiting for the ice breaking up, probably mid June. Then Vagabond should be free, after having been trapped by the pack ice for about 8 months..."
"Scientists and French Polar Institute (IPEV) are satisfied about logistics from Vagabond, we are in demand to do it again next winter! Before that, collaboration with IPEV will continue during the summer, and we will be sailing North-East of Greenland, first with birdwatchers, then with geologists."
Some figures about wintering
"Some figures about our wintering: 200 candles, 7 litres of paraffin, about 2000 litres of diesel for heaters and generator, 50 kg of biscuits, 75 kg of flour, 15 litres of oil, 20 kg of powder milk, 20 kg of chocolate, 700 soups, 250 kg of dog food (for our 2 polar dogs !), 188 CTD casts, 55 polar bears met; maximum temperature difference between inside and outside: 60°C; lowest temperature: -40°C; strongest wind: 60 knots; min/max air pressure: 961/1039 mb; today's ice thickness around Vagabond: 1m 90..."
"Our logbook and photo album are still being updated, you will know all about the ice breaking up, you may react and send us SMS! You will find a first 13 minutes film about our wintering, in Voiles et Voiliers DVD magazine Nb 12, for sale after June 18th (July issue)."
"We wish to warmly thank our partners, as well as everyone who contributed to gather such good conditions for this adventure."
A bientôt!
Eric Brossier
Vagabond achieved the first polar circumnavigation Sep 20, 2003. While crossing the Davis Strait on 20th of September, Vagabond reached the Labrador Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Her success through the North-West Passage, followed her success through the North-East Passage, the 2 arctic routes that link the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
Image of the Vagabond February 2003, courtesy of the team.
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