Our third crew member for the Northeast Passage is Stanislav, whom we call Stas, here with his girlfriend Irena.

We are are still trying to get the last piece of the puzzle in place: certification of Search & Rescue Insurance. There is so much unexpected back-and-forth. The delays are incredibly frustrating! We’re checking out more alternatives, doing everything we can to speed up the process – but at the moment it looks like we’ll be unable to leave today.

Update 14.15: Finally! We’ve got our proof of insurance. Planning to leave Murmansk at 16.30.

Update 18.40: We’ve moved to a different harbour. Now awaiting border & customs personnel, and their clearance before departure. It really does look like Thorleif, Stas and I are actually leaving today!

Irina (a different Irina!) at the Murmansk Shipping Company has been of great help to us.

Captain Thorleifsson meeting with Reso Insurance Company.

Finally! The "missing piece" is now in place: our confirmation of valid Search & Rescue Insurance. The insurer approved highly of our boat…

…and of course a couple of days ago the doctor certified that the three of us are in excellent condition!