We are sailing into the dangerously cold waters of the Bering Sea. Our craft now has a Bermuda rig – a mainsail on the rear mast and a jib on the front mast. We will be a more active crew, ducking under the main as we come about. This season is the temporary realm of constant sunlight and abundant energy.
Polar bears, once critically endangered, are aggressive in the ice-free summer months. They used to feed on energy-rich seals all summer. Now with less ice to use for seal hunting, they are taking more risks. They hunt walruses, and they hunt other life forms, including humans.
The walruses are not very civil either. So we have a hydrogen-powered motor. We are keen to keep our distance. There is one more upgrade to our vessel, ultrasonic sensors.
Under a mild weather forecast for the week, we are sailing along, slowly but securely.