Jimmy Cornell, the creator of the transatlantic ARC rally 40 years ago, is launching a new event for those eager to explore high latitudes alongside fellow sailors: the High Latitude Challenge. This adventure features extreme routes, including Antarctica and the Northwest Passage!

Jimmy Cornell: A High-Latitude Expert

The renowned navigator and explorer is well-acquainted with the unique challenges of these destinations. On many occasions he himself has sailed these lands and notably succeeded in navigating the Northwest Passage from west to east in 2015. As early as 1999, he had already ventured to Antarctica on his previous yacht.

For this event, he has meticulously planned the route to ensure safe seasonal passage and take advantage of the most favorable wind and weather conditions throughout the journey. He also knows the best ports for technical stopovers before heading into these remote areas.

A One-Year Clockwise Loop

The journey is set to depart from Cherbourg in September 2026. The route follows the Atlantic southward, stopping at the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Rio de Janeiro, and Mar del Plata before reaching Ushuaia, where participants will wait for the right weather window to cross Drake Passage and reach Antarctica—the first major highlight of the challenge.

The Pacific leg will include stops at Easter Island, Hawaii, and Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands, before taking on the Northwest Passage, the second ultimate goal of the Challenge.

As part of the preparation for the High Latitude Challenge, Jimmy Cornell will be hosting a series of webinars covering a wide range of practical topics, from weather forecasting to ice piloting, as well as safety aspects and high-latitude navigation techniques. The presentations will be delivered by experts in their fields and sailors with firsthand experience of sailing to Antarctica or navigating the Northwest Passage.

For more information on the High Latitude Challenge:
https://cornellsailing.com/fr/2024/11/le-defi-des-hautes-latitudes-2026-2027/

FOCUS ON

Polar Sailing Master Class – October 2025

For those planning high-latitude sailing, whether as part of the High Latitude Challenge or independently, the Grand Large Yachting training academy will offer a dedicated Master Class in October 2025.

This two-day training session led by polar sailing experts will cover:
• Navigation areas and seasonal considerations
• Polar weather systems and ice chart reading
• Safety in isolated environments
• Cold-weather physiology

More details coming soon! 📢