This is the unique concept of being first to circumnavigate the world using canoes. In 2005, an expedition headed by Gordon Naysmith, Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a vastly experienced traveller, will commence a four-year journey following a Northern Hemisphere route across the great continents, via inland waterways, lakes and rivers for most of the journey, with two epic ocean crossings as well.
The first leg of the journey goes from West to East, from Britain via Belgium, Holland, Germany; then onto Poland, Belarus and European Russia, finishing at the Urals Mountains. The second leg will cross the wilderness of Siberia, to the Sea of Japan. The third leg, an ocean crossing of the Pacific, via the Kuril Islands, then the Aleutian Islands to Canada via Alaska. The fourth and final leg will be through the St Lawrence Seaway and by a North Atlantic route via Greenland, Iceland and the Faeroes, back to Britain. Each leg of the four-part journey will last 7 - 9 months in the best of the weather, with breaks to over-winter due to the water freezing.
The expedition will use custom-built canoes, which will be powered by paddle, sail and for emergencies, outboard motors. The acquisition of documentation, training and testing of appropriate equipment, clothing, rations and medicines has already taken place. Additional stores and portage will be purchased en route.
Objectives are in part already defined and the expedition will carry an academic brief. In addition to this, the expedition will maintain regular contact with the UK and deliver reports using satellite technology courtesy of Purplefinder, as well as keeping a comprehensive log of the journey, build a picture library and if possible, produce a documentary film.
Planning and budgeting is already at an advanced stage. The route, completely finalised, has been subject to detailed research. Approaches have been made to organisations and governments who will impact upon the enterprise. A launch event, aimed at maximizing media interest, will take place in March/April of 2005.
This expedition takes a step into the 'great unknown'. It will be a fantastic human adventure, underpinned by an educational purpose. For those who can gain from its achievements and endeavors, it presents a first-rate media and sponsorship opportunity. It is a trip into 'Terra Incognita'.