Sailing enthusiasts, get ready for the latest expedition: Jimmy Cornell unveils the High Latitude Challenge, a high-stakes cruising adventure!
High Latitude Challenge: Jimmy Cornell's New Expedition Sailing Event
Jimmy Cornell, the founder of the original ARC transatlantic rally, is organizing a new cruise-in-company event called the High Latitude Challenge. This exciting new expedition sailing event is designed for sailors eager to explore high latitude regions alongside fellow enthusiasts.
The High Latitude Challenge is not a typical rally, but a rolling event with participants joining and finishing at various points along the route. The event will cover very high latitudes, reaching geographical zones from around 48°51' North up to 80°02' North, and spanning from approximately 6° West (near Dublin) to 19° East (near Bear Island).
The route heads south to Rio, Brazil, then from Ushuaia the intention is to cross to the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, the fleet will sail northbound through the Pacific, making an 8,600-mile passage to Honolulu, Hawaii. The plan is to then attempt to transit the Northwest Passage and Labrador Sea to Newfoundland.
The High Latitude Challenge is a demanding sailing expedition into Arctic or sub-Arctic waters, requiring advanced preparedness, strong sailing skills, and reliable yachts built for exploration in cold high-latitude zones. Participants must have competent blue-water sailing skills and experience with cold, harsh environments. They must also have a suitable blue-water cruiser designed to handle high latitude conditions.
Jimmy Cornell emphasizes voyage planning in a changing world, focusing on safety factors and essential considerations for such extreme expeditions. Logistical and service support will be available at two key stopover points, with good facilities: Mar del Plata in Argentina, and Honolulu in Hawaii. A support team and Cornell Sailing presence will be in key places throughout the event, including Cherbourg, Las Palmas, Mar del Plata, Ushuaia, Honolulu, Dutch Harbor, and Aasiaat [Greenland].
The High Latitude Challenge is a 'full circle' moment for Cornell, as it originated from his collaboration with a specific website. The first ARC had 209 boats participating and set off for Barbados in 1986. The inception of the ARC rally came after Cornell witnessed multiple boats setting sail for the Atlantic Crossing in Las Palmas, Spain.
The High Latitude Challenge is designed for adventurous sailors and features the 'bucket list' expedition sailing destinations of Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. Qualified participants will be asked to pay a refundable fee of £500. The clockwise route of the High Latitude Challenge starts from Cherbourg, France in September 2026.
For more information and to apply for the High Latitude Challenge, visit the official website. Cornell will evaluate potential participants based on their sailing experience and boat details. The challenge promises to be an unforgettable adventure for those who dare to explore the world's most remote and challenging waters.
- Participants of the High Latitude Challenge, organized by Jimmy Cornell, can anticipate an unforgettable adventure, in which bluewater cruising, travel, and adventure-travel converge, as they embark on a voyage promising to cover extreme expeditions like the Antarctic Peninsula and a possible Northwest Passage.
- Embarking on this lifestyleresque expedition, the sailors of the High Latitude Challenge will experience the thrill of sports, as they pit their skills and determination against the world's most remote and challenging waters—all while sailing with fellow enthusiasts in a camaraderie driven by a shared love for exploration.
