Bagan: Braving the Northwest Passage
Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 8:02 am
In just four weeks, a Nordhavn 57 owner will embark on the voyage of a lifetime.
That phraseology gets used a lot with Nordhavn owners, but this journey is linked to such significant political, environmental and historical ramifications that the outcome could considerably impact the way everyone-from world leaders to the general public-views the precious, enigmatic, economical gold mine that is the Arctic and the Northwest Passage.
Sprague Theobald, on board his Nordhavn Bagan will depart Newport, Rhode Island, on June 15 bound for the Northwest Passage.
Throughout history only about three dozen yachts, most of them sailboats, have ever tried to transit the frigid and remote Northwest Passage; many have failed. Today the only vessels found prowling the Arctic are large submarines and icebreakers. But because climate changes have caused the ice to recede, the passage between the Atlantic and the Pacific will be exposed, allowing non-specialized boats to pass through it. Not just Theobald's boat-which is one of the first privately owned powerboats to attempt the transit - but also container ships which will be able to eliminate thousands of miles and expense from their current less direct lines of travel. And, perhaps most importantly, the opened pathways will pave the way for international expeditions intent on exploiting the rich natural resources of the area, said to be the last untapped treasure trove oil, gold and diamonds. Five countries currently lay claim to the region: Russia, Canada, Norway, Denmark and the United States, and many analysts say the verbal sparring amongst the nations to this point is, well, just the tip of the iceberg of what's to come.
Behind the scenes of the political drama are concerns over the impact an industrial invasion would have to the already endangered polar bears, the couple thousand native Inuit who inhabit the area, and the land itself, which to this point has remained virtually untouched.
Inspired by the multi-faceted story that exists behind the Northwest Passage, Theobald, an Emmy award-winning film-maker, and his team have committed to produce a documentary film about the region - to the point where the perilous, ice-enshrouded waters of the trip's route have almost become an afterthought. Despite recognizing the obvious risks of the voyage, Theobald is up to the challenge. After all, the journey combines many of his greatest loves: boating, film-making, nautical history, and making a difference. He plans to shop the project to a number of private and independent studios as well as television networks.
"This is a documentary that's just waiting to be made," said Theobald, who has spent years fascinated by the history and the possibilities of the Northwest Passage. Nearly two centuries ago, his great grandfather ran a shipping fleet out of Boston bound for San Francisco and the Orient. "I can only imagine how he eyed that route," he said. Not to be outdone, Theobald's great uncle became the first person to sail a sloop around the world. A full captain at age 19, he skippered the sloop Union (which, coincidentally, also departed from Newport) to a full circumnavigation-and completed the task in just 22 months despite being shut off from navigating the Northwest Passage. For Theobald, the transit will honor the quest left unfulfilled by his ancestors. Personally and professionally, Theobald had the motive to make the film, and following the purchase of Bagan in 2006, he had the means.
The past year has been spent preparing for one of the most epic voyages undertaken by a single pleasure powerboat. Already, the boat had been outfitted with a film studio, but to allow for the freezing climate and remote locale, endless spares and upgrades were added. Although Nordhavns are not known for major failures, the possibility of a significant equipment breakdown still exists - and in the middle of the Arctic Circle, help is not readily available. But like any Nordhavn owner, Theobald shrugs it off: "Yeah, it may fail. But it's all part of the adventure."
The crew which Theobald has assembled is comprised of experienced yachtsmen, divers and a noted film director, each an integral piece to the creation of what is sure to be one of the most compelling documentaries of the little-explored region. With a working title, "Arctic Grail: The Northwest Passage," the film will contain footage of the Arctic as it currently exists including spectacular underwater photography, interviews with international ecology ministers and with the native people whose lives are likely to be sacrificed in the name of sovereignty. The film's website, www.northwestpassagefilm.com features the navigational and geographical history of the area, crew bios, details about the ship and its route, as well as blog entries and film clips from underway.
Theobald has also partnered up with key companies to sponsor the trip: Nordhavn, Helly Hansen, Green Earth Technologies, Pitch Perfect Propellers, Rhumbline Yacht Services, Congregatio de Aileron, Windrose Learning Adventures and MVY Radio.
A bon voyage party will take place June 12 in Newport where sponsors and guests will be able to view a 10-minute trailer of the film and attend a Q&A with Theobald and his crew, as well as tour Bagan. Two days later, the boat will depart for Halifax. Bagan will be sticking to a strict schedule since the icy Arctic will only become navigable when the warmest temperatures occur in July and August. It is this reason that one of the most dangerous parts of the trip will come as Theobald and his crew continue their voyage to Seattle, forcing a late September crossing of the Bering Sea, deemed to be a risky time of year to traverse. Bagan will eventually make its way south to Nordhavn's headquarters in Dana Point, California, which, incredibly, will mark the completion of a circumnavigation of North America for Theobald, who purchased the boat there and brought her around to New England on her own bottom in 2007.
Bagan's Itinerary, time/weather permitting
Depart Newport, RI June 15
Arrive Halifax, NS June 20
Arrive Labrador, NS July 1
Arrive Baffin Island, NU, and Greenland (will base out of Upernavik)
Arrive Lancaster Sound, start of Northwest Passage mid-July
Arrive Beachy Island, NL August 1
Arrive Gjoa Haven, NT August 15
Arrive Cambridge Bay, NT
Arrive Barrow, AK September 1
Arrive Dutch Harbor, AK September 15
Arrive Juneau, AK October 7
Arrive Seattle, WA October 15
Arrive Dana Point, CA November 3
For a Q&A with Sprague Theobald and many links about the Northwest Passage, visit Trawlers & Trawlering.