Watch: Elcano at sea
High Latitude Aleutian Is expedition
My sailing goal for the Summer 2026 season is to sail from Bellingham, Washington USA to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and back. 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, west to Tanaga Island past Sweeper Cove on Adak Island is about 500 nautical miles. We will make our passage west mostly on the north or Bering Sea side of the Aleutians, usually anchoring at night. Adak is a small settlement with no services but is a fuel stop. We will 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. They are one of the best remaining wilderness cruising grounds in the world. Since they are far from any emergency assistance and can have challenging weather at any time a boat must be suitable for high latitude conditions and the crew must be experienced and self-sufficient. This expedition will be my fourth visit to the Aleutians.
Plan alternatives: The above is Plan A. Since weather crossing the Gulf of Alaska can be difficult, Plan B is to work our way up the west coasts of British Columbia before heading west to Dutch Harbor. If weather conditions suggest Plan B is not advisable, Plan C is to cruise the remote west coasts of Haida Gwaii and Baranof Islands up to the Sitka area which are wonderful.
The boat: 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.
Crew qualifications: substantial recent offshore and coastal experience (5000 to 10000 miles or so detailed in a sailing cv) in all aspects of sailing and operating a vessel on long passages is required. 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. (see Crew Expectations attachment)
Close