Crossing an ocean in carpet slippers
I am quite sure that the rugged explorers of northern waters look down on our boat as a bit of frivolous plastic philosophically unsuited to the privations of the Arctic. I can see it in their eyes as they glimpse the picture windows, the in-mast furling, the inside pilot position and the large and comfortable cockpit. The thought of plastic meeting ice almost brings the unspoken question to their lips, ‘what an earth have you brought a boat like that to the Arctic for?’
Thus far those rugged men of the north have concealed their contempt and tolerated our soft, southern ways. In fact they have always been polite, engaging and too charming to reveal their disquiet.
But now SHIMSHAL has earned her spurs with three seasons in Greenland and proved that it is possible to cruise comfortably in these waters. She’s dodged ice and storms and survived being frozen into a shipyard designed to deal with trawlers and tugs. Most importantly, her raised saloon, inside pilot station, central heating and humidity controlled interior have kept us warm, dry and framed perfect views along the way. The in-mast furling and electrically reefed Genoa meant we had no foredeck dramas trying to reduce sail in a building wind. Instead of confronting the storms and the ice she used her technology, cunning and patience to sail daintily around such obstructions.
All boats are a compromise and SHIMSHAL will come into her own as we now cruise south into the Americas leaving the ice behind. Nevertheless she got us safely there and back in comfort. And without drama or mishap.
How many of those rugged men of the north in their ocean 4x4’s can boast that they crossed the Davis Strait in carpet slippers? We did!