Jimmy Cornell inaugurates a new High Latitude Expedition, inviting adventurers to join the thrilling voyage at high latitudes.
Jimmy Cornell, the founder of the original ARC transatlantic rally, is embarking on a new journey with the High Latitude Challenge. This exciting event is designed for adventurous sailors seeking to explore remote, high-latitude seas, offering unique sailing experiences beyond typical routes.
Key Stopovers and Support
Logistical and service support will be available at two key stopover points: Mar del Plata in Argentina, and Honolulu in Hawaii. A support team and Cornell Sailing presence will also be in key places such as Cherbourg, Las Palmas, Mar del Plata, Ushuaia, Honolulu, Dutch Harbor, and Aasiaat [Greenland].
Unique Destinations Await
The High Latitude Challenge is not a repeat of the original ARC rally, but a new cruise-in-company event with unique destinations. The route heads south to Rio, Brazil, then from Ushuaia, the intention is to cross to the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, participants will attempt to transit the Northwest Passage and Labrador Sea to Newfoundland.
The event has been timed to align with seasonal weather conditions, delivering the fleet to Antarctica in summer (January-February) and to be in the Arctic during the brief window when the Northwest Passage may be navigable (July-August).
Participating in the High Latitude Challenge
For those interested in participating, Cornell will send a questionnaire to assess sailing experience and boat details. Participants will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of £500, with a potential refund based on the number of participants.
To join this exciting adventure, sailors should have a seaworthy and suitably equipped sailboat designed for high-latitude conditions, with safety and durability features to handle harsh weather and icy waters. Experienced crews familiar with challenging sailing conditions and capable of handling extreme climates are also essential.
Adherence to safety protocols and possibly crew training to manage risks associated with high-latitude sailing may also be required. As the event is new, detailed formal requirements and exact route plans may be available closer to the event dates or via official High Latitude Challenge communications.
The High Latitude Challenge features the 'bucket list' expedition sailing destinations of Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. If you want to participate, keeping track of official announcements from Jimmy Cornell and the Nautique de Saint-Malo event is advisable for updated route information and participation rules.
The High Latitude Challenge starts from Cherbourg, France in September 2026, marking a "full circle" moment for Cornell, as it was inspired by his collaboration with a specific website during the original ARC rally. For more information, visit www.jimmyncornell.com.
- Jimmy Cornell's High Latitude Challenge, a new cruise-in-company event, offers an adventure-travel lifestyle with unique destinations, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, the Northwest Passage, and Labrador Sea, following bluewater cruising routes beyond typical travelled seas.
- Participants in the High Latitude Challenge should prepare for a sports challenge, requiring a seaworthy and suitably equipped sailboat for high-latitude conditions, experienced crews, possible crew training, and adherence to safety protocols, as they travel to the bucket list expedition sailing destinations of Antarctica and the Northwest Passage.
