Mike Johnson, a former Westsail owner that sailed his Westsail around the world before selling her, has a 44' schooner that I built back in the mid 1970,s, and last summer sailed the boat half-way through the Northwest passage, but got stopped by the ice closing in. The boat is currently hauled out at Cambridge Bay, and Mike is back in the US. Temperatures now at Cambridge Bay are about 30 below.
I just got a call from him, and Mike is planning on going back up there in the early summer when the ice breaks up, and sailing from there to Nome, Alaska. He figures it is about an 8 week trip. From Nome he will sail to Dutch Harbor or Kodiak, about another 8 week trip. Then down the coast of Southeast Alaska as the weather permits.
He is looking for crew to help and get experience from the master mariner that he is. I can vouch for him that he is truly capable, and easy to get along with. If you are interested, contact me and I will put you in touch with Mike. bud@westsail.com.
I'd go, but what would you guys do for parts when I'm gone.