Matt Rutherford, a seasoned sailor known for his adventurous spirit, is currently undertaking a remarkable expedition to complete the first solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean. Departing from Aasiaat, Greenland, at the end of June, Rutherford aims to cover a staggering 10,000 miles over approximately 100 days, with a planned finish in October. This ambitious venture is not just a personal challenge; it seeks to promote awareness and raise funds for the Ocean Research Project, a nonprofit dedicated to Arctic climate research and marine science.
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Rutherford is no stranger to extreme sailing; he previously achieved a record-breaking feat in 2011 by sailing around the Americas. That expedition spanned 27,077 miles and lasted 309 days, during which he encountered some of the most perilous waters in the world. Reflecting on that expedition, he emphasised the importance of thorough preparation, strategic planning, and mastering sailing skills as essential components for survival in harsh environments.
At 45 years old, Rutherford has spent two decades living aboard boats, honing his skills through both practice and mistakes. He candidly recalls his previous journey, where he made the amusing blunder of forgetting to pack enough trousers. “I didn’t bring pants,” he said, highlighting the significance of being well-prepared. However, he has assured that he has packed adequately for his Arctic adventure, ensuring he is ready for the rigours ahead.
Rutherford’s extensive experience in the Arctic, where he has visited multiple times, has helped him acclimatise to the unique challenges of this environment, including navigating ice, enduring severe cold, and tackling low visibility. “I’ve been around ice a bunch of times and dealt with the cold, the fog, and whatever else,” he explained. Still, he acknowledged that the presence of ice peaks his anxiety levels, making rest difficult. “You can’t sleep when you’re alone and around a bunch of ice, because if you hit ice, it’s a death sentence,” he stressed.
The Arctic summer presents its own set of challenges, particularly the unceasing daylight which complicates his efforts to rest. “It doesn’t get dark in the Arctic in the summertime, so it’s 24-hour light,” Rutherford noted, describing how he manages short bursts of sleep in response to potential hazards. Despite the conditions, he tries to take advantage of every available opportunity to rest. He often resorts to making coffee when he finds himself unable to sleep, narrating a daily routine that tiptoes the line between vigilance and fatigue.
As he navigates the icy waters, unpredictable weather remains a constant companion. “You can get storms, of course, any kind of bad weather,” he shared, detailing his efforts to shield himself from the elements as he continues to pursue his goal. With an enclosed cabin equipped with a window, he can monitor conditions while staying dry, which provides a small comfort amidst the challenges he faces.
Rutherford has now reached the halfway mark of his journey, entering a portion of the Arctic Ocean that provides him with some moments of respite. “While you’re in this open ocean, single-handed sailing, you could kick your feet up and read a book,” he said, indicating his appreciation for the brief periods of calm. Yet, he knows that the next phase of his journey, particularly as he approaches Russia, will test him further. He anticipates darker nights, limited communication, and the need to check in with authorities every 24 hours.
This next chapter will require a shift in mindset and preparation. “It’s part of the trip. It’s just something that you have to deal with,” he remarked, seeing the inevitable challenges as integral to his overall experience. He likened it to climbing a mountain, with different sections presenting varying degrees of difficulty.
Despite the stark and often harsh surroundings, Rutherford seeks beauty in his journey. “Icebergs are beautiful. They’re a pain when you’re single-handed [sailing], but they’re still beautiful,” he mused, reflecting on the joys of witnessing nature’s grandeur. He also takes pleasure in the small moments of tranquillity, such as enjoying coffee while taking in the scenery, illustrating how he finds solace amidst the rigours of sailing.
In conclusion, Matt Rutherford’s solo voyage around the Arctic Ocean is not merely a feat of endurance, but a profound exploration of self-awareness and acceptance. His dedication to embracing both the hardships and the beauty of his expedition offers a compelling insight into the life of a solitary sailor. As he continues along this ambitious path, his experiences will undoubtedly contribute to the collective understanding of the Arctic region and the ongoing discussions surrounding climate change.