As we swing at anchor in Kangiqtugaapik—in Inuktitut—also known as Clyde River, Patricia Inlet on Baffin Island, the wind howls through the rigging at a steady 22 knots, gusting over 30. One Ocean creaks, and I hear the water lapping against her hull. I’m curled up in my bunk. The crew is still asleep, the boat quiet. Once again, I find myself reflecting on how remote we are—even though an Inuit village is nestled in this inlet.
In a week we’ll see more obvious signs of civilization, but for now, and so far for much of this voyage, the bays are quiet and desolate. It feels like the most isolated I will ever be in my life, and I’m relishing it.
We arrived at 9 p.m. Eastern time, under a full moon that lit the inlet as we crept through dark, choppy waters. With the forecasted winds picking up, we decided to tuck in and rest. On the chart, it looked like the nearest inlet off Baffin Bay, but Baffin Island is huge and it still took us hours to reach—and we arrived in darkness.
We steered toward the faint lights of Kangiqtugaapik, a small Inuit village at the river’s mouth. This leg of the journey brought new energy onboard. Volunteer Bob Rosain joined us—a dear friend and one of the driving forces behind One Ocean’s refits. His generosity, skill, and kindness have been invaluable. I often wish every volunteer could sail with us, to feel what their work has made possible.
A few years ago, I wrote in my journal that I needed to bring sailing back into my life and pursue my dream. Weeks after that journal entry, I met Mark Schrader and sailed with him and Herb McCormick. I heard their firsthand accounts of the Around the Americas expedition, which raised awareness of ocean change. That was it. I was all in for the second Around the Americas Expedition. I left a secure, fulfilling job in a school district to make this happen. All five crew members gave up something to be here. This expedition isn’t backed by corporations—it’s grassroots, supported by individuals like you. We’re here to say education matters. Research matters. Our oceans matter.
The program has grown, with a calendar full of live online classrooms, in-person school visits, and presentations. It’s exhilarating but overwhelming. Basic costs like travel, printing, and software all add up. We’d love to expand our reach by translating materials into the languages spoken across the Americas.
If you believe in what we’re doing, please consider supporting us—whether $10, $20, or $100. We accept Venmo, checks, and donations through the Skagit Valley College Foundation, a registered nonprofit. Sponsorship opportunities are also available; email me directly (atamericasjd@gmail.com) if you or someone you know might be interested.
Article by Jennifer Dalton
To read the full article, click HERE
Photos: Crew of One Ocean
To see the online classroom schedule and sign up to join, click HERE.
