If the thought of embarking on a high-latitude cruise sounds appealing – braving freezing temperatures, icebergs and barely charted waters – you're not alone. Emboldened by a growing awareness of the beauty of the polar regions, retreating sea ice and yachts marketed as high-latitude vessels, an increasing number of recreational sailors are venturing into Arctic and Antarctic waters in search of a boundary-pushing adventure. These include destinations such as Greenland, Svalbard, Alaska, Patagonia, the Northwest Passage and Antarctica.

But, while that polar voyage might sound appealing on paper (and look great on Instagram), it's important to remember that navigating these waters still comes with significant risks. 'There’s a perception that global warming has made high-latitude sailing more accessible and safer. But this is not necessarily the case, and the reasons are complex,' says Andrew Wilkes, co-author of the Polar Yacht Guide and author of Arctic and Northern Waters for the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation. 'Glaciers slowly make their way to sea, calve and produce icebergs. Higher temperatures increase this activity. The formation and duration of sea ice, that is ice formed at sea, depends on the sea temperature – as this rises, it delays the formation of new ice and existing ice sheets break up into smaller, relatively mobile, ice floes.'

GETTING PREPARED

While ice might be one of the obvious hazards, Andrew adds that high-latitude sailors also need to be prepared for every eventuality when cruising into off-grid waters. 'Shore-based help may not be available or take a long time to arrive,' he says. 'Yachts, therefore, need to be totally self-sufficient. This includes having the spares and skills to repair the vessel (its structure, rigging, mechanicals, electricals, etc) and deal with medical needs and emergencies.'

Then there are the ship’s stores, fuel and victualling to consider, with cruises often taking much longer than planned. 'In the old days, this could be as long as a year or two!' adds Andrew.

Having completed numerous voyages to the Arctic and sub-Antarctic aboard his 56ft steel gaff cutter, Annabel J, Andrew says it's also important to remember these are poorly documented waters: 'Charts (paper and electronic) are often based on old and sometimes inaccurate information. Soundings may be sparse or non-existent. Uncharted, dangerous rocks are quite common. Charts do not necessarily use the WGS84 datum used by GPS.

'Polar sailing requires sailors to apply skills which were common to previous generations but have become less frequently used in modern times,' he adds. 'These include how to navigate using different sources of information, how to "read" potential anchorages for good shelter and holding, how to conserve resources and how to be closer to nature.'

RESPECTING NATURE AND PEOPLE

For those who fail to prepare properly, the consequences can be severe, with a minority of poorly prepared voyages forced to call the rescue services to assist. Those who do so shouldn’t expect a rapid response. In high latitudes, there are few resources to cover vast areas in dangerous conditions. Cruisers who do not follow best practice also risk endangering the local environment and wildlife, and promoting global warming – all of which are particularly sensitive issues in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. 

While the natural environment needs to be respected, Andrew says the same applies to the history, culture and people of these destinations. 'Many important sites such as historical monuments, graves and huts are unprotected by officialdom,' he says. 'Some Arctic communities have just one or two shops and limited fuel supplies, which are replenished once or twice a year. Cruisers buying up six months' supplies of diesel or Mars bars may not be popular!'

"In off-grid waters, yachts need to be totally self-sufficient"

Concerned with the rise of poorly prepared voyages, Andrew joined a group of experienced high-latitude sailors to write the Polar Yacht Guide. This free-to-download guide is specifically designed for yachts, and split into three sections: safety of navigation and voyage planning for all polar waters, Arctic waters and Antarctic waters. Designed to complement existing regulations, such as the Polar Code, and pilot books, it gives a voluntary code of best practice to help pleasure yachts operate safely and responsibly in some of the world's most challenging environments.

Advice contained within the guide includes kit and supply lists, recommended voyage planning, environmental consideration and a sample yacht environmental protection plan. There is also a list of websites to help with researching and planning your Arctic or Antarctic voyage.