North Pole Solo 2014
A Record Breaking Challenge for 2014
At the end of February 2014 Rosie will fly to Resolute Bay on the northern tip of Canada and set off on her epic journey across the frozen arctic ocean.
The expedition is expected to take approximately 55 days.
The North Pole is the axis of the earth’s rotation where all lines of longitude and time zones converge. It lies on floating pack ice in the middle of the arctic ocean 415 nautical miles from Canada.
This endeavour is a mental and physical challenge of the greatest possible order. In reaching the Pole and realising her dream, Rosie hopes to demonstrate to others that their goals, however daunting, can be achieved.
Why Now?
Rosie is at the peak of her mental and physical condition. She has the strength, experience and hunger to achieve this record that was so nearly in her grasp in 2007. She has completed her analysis of the requirements for success, knowing that her tactics must adapt with the changing environment. Owing to deteriorating ice conditions on the Arctic Ocean, the opportunities to achieve the first woman’s North Pole solo are becoming more remote as each year passes.
How
Walking, skiing, climbing and swimming across 415 nautical miles of frozen ocean to the geographic North Pole.
Navigating a moving and unstable ice pack, which is at the mercy of ocean currents below and winds above. Rosie will use a combination of compass, solar and satellite navigation to guide her.
Crossing a floating jigsaw of ice. In places the ice compacts into pressure ridges of ice rubble. These can be as high as 50ft. In other areas the ice breaks up, exposing either very thin ice or expanses of open water.
Overcoming setbacks. As Rosie progresses, the current and negative drift can conspire to pull Rosie off course or even backwards.
Enduring extreme weather conditions with sudden storms and temperatures down to minus 40 degrees centigrade. The maritime environment generates bad and volatile weather, one feature of which is ‘white-outs’ – zero visibility and no contrast.
Risking and managing encounters with polar bears.
Remaining positive and alert despite sleep deprivation, fatigue and hunger.
Coping with the psychological stresses of being solo in extreme isolation in one of the harshest and most dangerous environments on earth.
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
– Lou Holtz, legendary US football coach
Contact us for further information:
For more information on the expedition, please contact Expedition Manager.
Tel no: +44 1206 330180
