Last minute packing, food drying, wiring and boat preparations are being hurried along as the North Of Disko crew prepare to set sail from Galway for Greenland in less than two weeks time. As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the voyage is organised by Killary Adventure Expeditions, 'North of Disko' will see a crew of sailors, kayakers, climbers, a photographer and filmmaker set sail for the northwest coast of Greenland on June 15th.
The crew aim to cover over 1500nm to Aasiaat in Greenland, in about 14 days and then continue north, reaching Upernavik, well inside the Arctic Circle, a week later. From there, a team of four will set out on a 300km unsupported sea kayak, navigating through fjords and ice fields, while the team of three climbers will begin to tackle a series of first ascents, as they follow the kayakers south.
Adding a further dimension to the expedition, photographer Daragh Muldowney aims to explore and capture the beauty of this spectacular coastline, with the aim of publishing a book and hosting an exhibition upon return. The entire expedition and its achievements will also be documented through film by one of only two female crew-members, Claire Riordan.
Leading the crew on board the 49ft, ex admirals cup racing yacht the 'Killary Flyer' is Jamie Young, whose previous expeditions include the successful Irish Cape Horn Sea Kayak Expedition in 1989, the Guinea Bissau Sea Kayak Expedition in 1992, and the 'South Aris' expedition, which attempted to re-enact Shackleton's epic boat trip from Elephant Island to South Georgia, in 1997.
The crew also includes four young twenty-somethings embarking on the adventure of a lifetime as well as seasoned kayakers Ali Donald, Kevin O'Callaghan and climber Collin Gibbon.
Further information on the expedition, crew and updates on preparations can be found at www.northofdisko.com
