High Latitude Sailing

High Latitude Sailing is your essential guide to safe and rewarding sailing in the challenging but breathtakingly beautiful high latitudes.

Conquer the Cold

This comprehensive book provides expert advice and practical techniques for navigating the unique challenges of cold-water sailing and winter seasons. With stunning photography and first-hand accounts from world-renowned sailors Jon Amtrup and Bob Shepton, High Latitude Sailing offers invaluable insights for both experienced adventurers and those new to high-latitude exploration.

What You'll Learn

This book covers all aspects of high-latitude sailing, including:

• Preparing yourself and your crew: Develop good routines, assess risks, and ensure everyone is ready for the challenges ahead.
• Preparing your boat: Optimize your vessel for cold conditions, including considerations for design, heating, engine, steering, anchors, and electrics.
• Sailing in ice: Understand ice navigation techniques, interpret ice charts, and learn how to handle your boat in icy conditions.
• Safety: Be prepared for emergencies such as MOB, encounters with polar bears, navigating glaciers, and dinghy procedures in cold waters.
• Communication: Master communication methods in remote areas, including VHF, satellite, and SSB radio.
• Weather: Learn to interpret GRIB files, read ice charts, and understand weather patterns in high latitudes.
• Anchoring and mooring: Choose the right anchors and mooring lines for challenging conditions.
• Clothing: Select appropriate clothing for cold weather sailing, including layering techniques and specialized gear.
• Cruising areas: Explore popular high-latitude destinations like Svalbard, Antarctica, and South Georgia.

Whether you're planning a challenging expedition or simply want to extend your sailing season into the winter months, High Latitude Sailing provides the knowledge and inspiration you need to navigate cold waters safely and confidently.

About the Authors

Jon Amtrup is an experienced sailor and journalist with extensive knowledge of high-latitude sailing. He has assisted numerous expeditions and is a member of the Explorers' Club and Cruising Association.

Bob Shepton is a renowned adventurer and Yachtsman of the Year award winner. He has made multiple Atlantic crossings and has extensive experience in polar regions. He is a two-time winner of the Royal Cruising Club's Tilman Medal.

Praise for High Latitude Sailing

"Some of us think the more you have to wear the greater the adventure. Jon Amtrup advises on preparing yourself, your boat, equipment, safety. Bob Shepton's photos make one gasp with their grandeur and austere beauty. An informative and beautiful book." — Yachting Monthly

"Utterly factual, devoid of unnecessary fluff and simply meant to inform... The combination makes for an inspirational read that is sure to become a dog-eared companion for any sailor ready to head to high latitudes." — Sailing magazine (US)