From the Northwest Passage to Cape Horn
By Herb McCormick

The Around the America’s voyage was launched on a simple and straightforward premise: The continents of North America and South America are, in essence, large islands surrounded by a complex, fragile ocean environment that’s at risk on countless fronts. A major objective of the 13-month, 24,000 nautical-mile journey “Around the America’s” is to demonstrate the inter-connectedness of these seemingly independent continent-islands. But while that summation may sound clear-cut, the trip itself promises to be anything but.

In planning the journey, skipper Mark Schrader realized that the success of the venture would hinge on negotiating two specific bodies of water at the opposite ends of the route map. To the north awaits the Northwest Passage, an epic waterway across the Arctic that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. To the south stands Cape Horn, the legendary waypoint off the tip of South America positioned smack-dab in the teeth of the wild Southern Ocean.

From a routing and navigational standpoint, again, the idea is simple. A crew on an ocean-going yacht like Ocean Watch, the expedition’s 64-foot steel cutter, must traverse the Northwest Passage portion of the journey during the Northern Hemisphere summer, from June through September. Likewise, the optimum window of opportunity for rounding Cape Horn at the voyage’s southern extremity exists during summertime in the Southern Hemisphere, from December through February.

Setting forth from Seattle on May 31, Ocean Watch will sail north with a goal of reaching Barrow, Alaska, in early July. There, the crew may be forced to play a waiting game for the winter ice to recede. Once it does, they’ll embark on a critical 1,000-nautical mile eastward stretch from Barrow to Cambridge Bay. Time will be of the essence. Heading north from Cambridge Bay, Ocean Watch will next attempt to tackle Peel Sound, a narrow strait between Prince of Wales Island and Somerset Island.

Peel Sound and its surrounding waters is traditionally a formidable, make-or-break obstacle for Northwest Passage voyagers. For the past two summers, small-boat sailors have found this area ice-free, and have passed through unimpeded. But there are never any guarantees in the Canadian Arctic. For Ocean Watch’s team to be successful, they will need to take advantage of each and every weather window.

Once past Peel Sound, Ocean Watch will soon bear south for Newfoundland and Nova Scotia via Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, the open, daunting waters flanking the west coast of Greenland. South of Halifax, the crew will make several stops along the U.S. East Coast and in San Juan, Puerto Rico. From there, they’ll embark on the longest voyage of the trip, a 3,500 nautical-mile passage across the fickle doldrums that dot the equator en route to the welcome destination of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

South of Rio, the crew will again enjoy the friendly, bustling ports of Punta del Este, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. But once south of “B.A.” the landscape will again become rugged, as Ocean Watch calls at the remote Falkland Islands and enters the high, cold latitudes that define the coast of Patagonia before engaging Cape Horn. Sailing from east to west, against the strong, prevailing westerly winds of the Southern Ocean, the mighty Cape will offer a test every bit as challenging as the Northwest Passage.

Once north of Cape Horn, Ocean Watch will call at ports in Chile and Peru before stopping in the enchanting Galapagos Islands, then heading on to Costa Rica and Mexico before once again tying up in U.S. waters in the sunny enclave of San Diego. From there, it will be one last bash to windward, up the coast of California and back to Seattle, the city from which it all began.

Actual departure: May 31, 2009
Scheduled arrival: June 17, 2010

Seattle Partners:

Public events during the Seattle homecoming weekend:

Event: Flotilla welcoming and shoreside arrival ceremony
Details: Welcome the Ocean Watch crew back to Seattle after their historic 28,000 nm circumnavigation of the American continents. All ages welcome, no cost to attend. Preceding the shoreside ceremony boat owners are welcome to join the homecoming flotilla which will include a Seattle Fire Department fireboat. Ocean Watch will depart Port Townsend at approximately 8am and arrive on the I dock at Shilshole at approximately 12pm. Contact ports@aroundtheamericas.org with questions.
Date: Thursday, June 17th
Time: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Shilshole Bay Marina Plaza (adjacent to the marina offices and I dock), 7001 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117

Event: Live webcast of the Ocean Watch Marine Health Symposium at the University of Washington Applied Physics Lab
Details: The symposium will bring together sailors, oceanographers, policy-makers, educators, conservationists, and other interested stakeholders for a dialogue about threats to our oceans and the need to take action. Questions can be submitted online through the live webcast.
Date: Friday, June 18th
Time: 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: http://livestream.com/pacsci

Event: Dockside open house
Details: Meet the crew, tour S/V Ocean Watch, learn about onboard research and participate in hands-on marine science activities led by the Around the Americas Education Team from the Pacific Science Center. All ages welcome, no cost to attend.
Date: Sunday, June 20th
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Fisherman’s Terminal Guest Dock, 3919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119

Event: Public presentation featuring David Thoreson’s images from throughout the Expedition
Details: Led by Ocean Watch Captain Mark Schrader and Onboard Scientist Dr. Michael Reynolds. All ages welcome, no cost to attend. Seating is first come, first serve. Enter at main gates on the north side of the center starting at 6:30 pm.
Date: Sunday, June 20th
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Pacific Science Center Eames IMAX Theater, 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Public event during the inbound Port Townsend port call:
Event: Dockside open house
Details: Meet the crew, tour S/V Ocean Watch and learn about onboard research. All ages welcome, no cost to attend.
Date: Wednesday, June 16th
Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Northwest Maritime Center, 431 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368

Interested in helping us publicize? Forward and/or post our Port Townsend publicity flyer.

Port Townsend Partners:

Outbound stop:
Actual arrival: May 31, 2010
Actual departure: June 1, 2009

Scheduled arrival: June 10, 2010
Scheduled departure: June 12, 2010
Moorage location: OMSI floating dock

Portland Partner:

Public events during the Portland port call:

Event: Dockside open house
Details: Meet the crew, tour S/V Ocean Watch, learn about onboard research and participate in hands-on marine science activities led by the Around the Americas Education Team from the Pacific Science Center. All ages welcome, no cost to attend.
Date: Friday, June 11th
Time: 12:00pm – 6:30pm
Location: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry floating dock (adjacent to the USS Blueback), 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Event: Public presentation featuring David Thoreson’s images from throughout the Expedition
Details: Led by Ocean Watch Captain Mark Schrader and Photographer David Thoreson. All ages welcome, no cost to attend.
Date: Friday, June 11th
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry auditorium, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Background on Portland:
The Port of Portland, located in the Northwestern United States, is the third largest on the West Coast. Not only is the port the largest U.S. shipper of wheat, but it is also the second largest wheat port in the world. Over 13 million tons of tons of cargo pass through the terminals each year. Portland has a reputation for being one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the country; a reputation which is shared by the port. The port works closely with government agencies and environmental groups to make sure it operates in way to minimize its impact on air and water quality and to improve conditions for local wildlife populations.

Background websites:
Portland Business Alliance: http://www.portlandalliance.com
Port of Portland: http://www.portofportland.com

Scheduled arrival: May 26, 2010
Scheduled departure: June 5, 2010

Public events during the San Francisco port call:

Event: Dockside open house
Details: Meet the crew, tour S/V Ocean Watch, learn about onboard research and participate in hands-on marine science activities led by the Around the Americas Education Team from the Pacific Science Center. All ages welcome, no cost to attend.
Date: Saturday, May 29th
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Pier 39 J-Dock (adjacent to the sea lion floats), Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133

Event: Aquarium of the Bay Conservation Station featuring Around the Americas
Details: Meet with the Around the Americas education team, see images from the expedition, and participate in hands-on activities related to the onboard science investigations. Free with Aquarium admission.
Date: Saturday, May 29th
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Aquarium of the Bay, next to Pier 39.

Event: Presentation featuring David Thoreson’s images from throughout the Expedition
Details: Led by Ocean Watch Captain Mark Schrader and Onboard Scientist Dr. Michael Reynolds. Free for Academy Members or with museum admission. Reserve a ticket online to guarantee your seat. More details on the Academy’s lecture page, by calling (888) 670-4433 or by emailing ticketing@calacademy.org.
Date: Tuesday, June 1st
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Location: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118

Event: Boat tours, dinner and presentation featuring David Thoreson’s images from throughout the Expedition
Details: Led by Ocean Watch Captain Mark Schrader and Photographer David Thoreson, also featuring David Rockefeller, Jr. and Dan Pingaro of Sailors for the Sea. Boat tours offered in advance of the presentation. Additional details on the CYC website. $10 admission goes to Sailors for the Sea. Dinner is $12.50 in advance or $15 at the door. Reserve a seat online.
Date: Thursday, June 3rd
Time: Boat tours at 5:00pm, dinner at 6:00pm, presentation at 7:00pm
Location: Corinthian Yacht Club, 43 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920

Background on San Francisco:
The Port of San Francisco is in on the western shore of San Francisco Bay, near the Golden Gate. The port covers almost eight miles of waterfront and includes such landmarks as, Pier 39, AT&T Park and Fisherman’s Wharf, which is the center of Northern California’s commercial fishing industry. It is also home to the largest marine repair facility on the West Coast. The cruise business is an important revenue source with over 75 ships and 200,000 passengers passing through every year. The San Francisco Bay and Development Commission was established in 1965 as the first coastal management agency in the United States. The commission has restored over 23 square miles of Bay habitat.

Background websites:
Port of San Francisco: http://www.sfgov.org
San Francisco Bay Conservation & Development Commission: http://www.bcdc.ca.gov

Scheduled arrival: May 24, 2010
Scheduled departure: May 26, 2010
Moorage location: Wharf #1 guest dock (California dock)

Interested in helping us publicize? Forward and/or post our revised Monterey Bay publicity flyer.

Public events during the Monterey Bay port call:

Event: Public presentation featuring David Thoreson’s images from throughout the Expedition
Details: Led by Ocean Watch Captain Mark Schrader with an introduction by David Rockefeller, Jr. and images from Expedition Photographer David Thoreson. All ages welcome, no cost to attend. Update: The presentation will be led by onboard scientist Dr. Michael Reynolds in the event Captain Schrader and the crew have not yet arrived.
Date: Monday, May 24th
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Location: Monterey History & Maritime Museum Theater, Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940. Please note that the History & Maritime Museum is currently closed for renovations but will be opened at 6:45pm to allow access to the theater.

Event: Dockside open house
Details: Meet the crew, tour S/V Ocean Watch, learn about onboard research and participate in hands-on marine science activities led by the Around the Americas Education Team from the Pacific Science Center. All ages welcome, no cost to attend.
Date: Tuesday, May 25th
Time: 11:00 – 2:00pm and 5:00 – 6:00pm
Location: Wharf # 1 guest dock (California dock), Wharf 1, Monterey, CA 93940

Monterey Bay Partners:

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Monterey History & Maritime Museum

Background on Monterey:
Monterey Bay is an inlet off the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The city of Monterey is located on The Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary, which runs 276 miles along the coats and is largest marine sanctuary in the United States. Historically, Monterey was known as a whaling and fishing port. Today, the area depends on tourism and light manufacturing. The area features abundant marine life including sea lions, otters, harbor seals, bat rays, kelp forests, pelicans and dolphins. A few miles offshore is the Monterey Canyon, the largest and deepest underwater canyon off the North American Pacific Coast.

Background websites:
Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce: http://www.mpcc.com
Historic Monterey: http://www.historicmonterey.org

Scheduled arrival: May 14, 2010
Scheduled departure: May 20, 2010
Moorage location: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum dock (Google Map)

Public events during the Santa Barbara port call:

Event: Flotilla greeting and harbor welcoming
Details: Join the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum in welcoming S/V Ocean Watch to Santa Barbara. More details on the SBMM website.
Date: Friday, May 14th
Time: 4:30pm – 5:00pm
Location: Great view from the harbor breakwater

Event: Dockside open house
Details: Meet the crew, tour S/V Ocean Watch, learn about onboard research and participate in hands-on marine science activities led by the Around the Americas Education Team from the Pacific Science Center. Feature of the SBMM Sea Festival. More details on the SBMM website.
Date: Saturday, May 15th
Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Location: Floating dock adjacent to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Event: Public presentation featuring David Thoreson’s images from throughout the Expedition
Details: Led by Ocean Watch Captain Mark Schrader and Photographer David Thoreson. Feature of the SBMM Sea Festival. More details on the SBMM website.
Date: Saturday, May 15th
Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Location: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Theater, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Event: Public presentation featuring Ocean Watch onboard scientist Dr. Michael Reynolds
Details: Learn more about the comprehensive Around the Americas science program
Date: Monday, May 17th
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Theater, 113 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second largest in the United States. The Port of Los Angeles is located in San Pedro Bay which is about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The port is situated on 7,500 acres with over 43 miles of waterfront. With 27 cargo terminals, the port can handle dry and liquid bulk, containers and automobiles which combined, account for roughly 190 million metric revenue tons of cargo each year. When added with the port at Long Beach, the two facilities are responsible for over $260 billion a year in trade. The port has several programs in place to monitor and improve water quality in the harbor including the Water Resources Action Plan, Watershed and Stormwater Management, the Clean Marina Program, oil spill prevention, water quality monitoring and the Sediment Quality Improvement Program.

Websites
Port of Los Angeles: http://www.portoflosangeles.org
Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce: http://www.lachamber.com

Public events during the San Diego port call:

Event: Around the Americas Educational Series
Details: Ocean Watch crew members and educators will stop by Birch Aquarium at Scripps for a special day dedicated to their important cruise. Visitors can meet with crew members, participate in science activities and experiments, and learn what life is like aboard a 64-foot sailing vessel. Scripps Oceanography scientists will also share their own scientific discoveries from around the Americas. Included with admission to the Aquarium.
Date: Saturday, May 8th
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Location: The Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Event: Dockside open house
Details: Meet the crew, tour S/V Ocean Watch, learn about onboard research and participate in hands-on marine science activities led by the Around the Americas Education Team from the Pacific Science Center. Included with admission to the Maritime Museum.
Date: Sunday, May 9th
Time: 12:00am to 4:00pm
Location: The Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego Partners:

Background on San Diego:
San Diego, located on the south western coast of the United States, is the second largest city in the state of California. The city’s port includes the only major submarine and shipbuilding yard on the West Coast and is also home to the largest naval fleet in the world. The Port’s management recognizes a strong responsibility to protect the waters and creatures of San Diego Bay. As part of this commitment, the Port includes extensive materials on its website to inform and educate the public. The highlight is an interactive Google Map which shows the locations of the many species and habitats that call the Bay home.

Background websites:
Port of San Diego: http://www.portofsandiego.org
Google Map of Bay Species: http://www.portofsandiego.org/portals/environment-google-earth
Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce: http://www.sdchamber.org

The Mexican resort city of Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Ocean’s Bahia de Banderas. Roughly half of the city’s economy comes from the tourist industry with the other half coming from agriculture, industrial and commercial enterprises. Cruise ships arrive almost very day as well as an occasional U.S. Navy frigate. The Mexican navy also maintains a base at the port. Recently, there has been an increase in jellyfish blooms which have made many of the local beaches questionable for swimming.

Website
Webcam: http://www.puertovallarta.net/interactive/webcam/index.php