Watch: Elcano at sea
Aleutian Islands, Alaska Expedition Summer 2025
Aleutian Islands, Alaska USA Expedition 2025 aboard s/v Elcano
Our sailing goal for the Summer 2025 season is to sail from Bellingham, Washington USA to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and back possibly, stopping in Kodiak Island on the way. The offshore passage from Bellingham across the Gulf of Alaska to Dutch Harbor is about 1500 nautical miles. From Dutch Harbor, a fishing port at the eastern end of the Aleutians we will work our way about 500 nautical miles west to Tanaga Island. We will make our passage west mostly on the north or Bering Sea side of the Aleutians, usually anchoring at night. We will stop in the village of Adak for fuel then return to Dutch Harbor along the south or Pacific side of the Aleutians then make the passage across the Gulf of Alaska back through the Strait of San Juan de Fuca to Bellingham. The total distance for the expedition is about 4000 nautical miles requiring a time commitment of about 8 to 10 weeks from about June 1st to mid-August.
The Aleutian Islands are stunning in scale, remote and rarely visited. Since they are far from any emergency assistance and can have challenging weather at any time that means that a boat must be suitable for high latitude conditions and the crew must be experienced and self-sufficient. This expedition will be the captain’s fourth visit to the Aleutians.
S/V Elcano is a 30-ton cutter rigged center cockpit custom Shannon 60 feet overall maintained in excellent condition, has all appropriate systems, backups and safety gear. She is a proven high latitude vessel. Two retired and well-seasoned sailors—Todd Thompson in the US and Gary Kenny in the UK—are committed to the expedition. We are searching for two experienced crew to join us on the voyage to this extraordinary place.
Previous ocean passage making experience would be an advantage for interested candidates. As for any long expedition, an amicable personality willing to pitch in with the chores required to keep the boat and team going well and be an important part of a team effort is critical. Boat provisioning is for omnivores. If interested please provide contact information for further discussion.
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