As you know, we are in Kirkenes, a town in the far northeastern reaches of Norway, making the final preparations for Northern Passage 2010. Preparation means fine-tuning equipment, checking every inch and every feature of our boat, and preparing ourselves. There is also paper work to be done: visas for entering Russia, health certificates for everyone, and a host of other documents.

Yesterday was a good day. We tested the large drag anchor, which is launched from the bow of the boat and almost stops it completely in the water. That can be used when we encounter extremely poor weather, or wish to stay stationary and catch some sleep.

Afterwards we pulled our trimaran up onto the shore. The system of ropes and pulleys that we had made worked perfectly, and made it easy to haul the boat up onto a sandy beach just outside Kirkenes. We should be able to use this method in the Arctic, to pull the boat onto the ice – and it’s a relief that it worked so well.

I’ll send you photographs later today.

Our largest drag anchor is designed to keep the boat almost stationary at sea.

We have settled in the cosy marina at Kirkenes.

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