SV “?????????” is nearly complete

Dan is putting the final touches on the Eastport, “Passage Maker” Pram. His hard work in building this fine little vessel is a major contribution to our trip through the Northwest Passage.

This little pram will be our workhorse. Hauling fuel, food, water and of course “Us” to and from land. It will carry a triple reefed sailing lug rig that is simple to set up and use.

The boat can also be rowed by one person. Early explorers used small launches like these almost daily, to scout out anchorages, take soundings and gather provisions.

A name has been chosen and will be announced, during a launching ceremony in the near future.

Reflections of preparation by Captain Jesse Osborn

It is difficult to explain what burns in my heart. This push to explore. To feel my limits and chase my dreams. To inspire. To lead by example and show those around me that the impossible is far beyond our imaginations. Relative only to our limited experience and dampened by our view of comfort. These […]

New sailbags for the Jib and Genoa.

Yet again saved money by sewing new sailbags myself. These were made from kits, but after completing them, I feel I could replicate the process fairly accurately, with no plotting or plans.

These will hold the sail and be lifted from the deck by a halyard.

Fuel staging containers

Fuel canisters staged in the kitchen for stenciling. Although Empiricus is a true sailing craft, Transiting the Northwest Passage has never (To my knowledge) been accomplished without the use of an auxiliary engine. Ronald Amundsen carried thousands of gallons of fuel for his multi year passage. He was the first to do so and attributed […]

Building the Passagemaker lug sail

Friends and fellow sailors, Oksana and Sean help assemble some panels on a late Saturday night. Basting and sewing the panels Prep and planning is everything and each sail is different. Panels 1 and 2 Panels 1 and 2 going together Measurung and plotting a patch assembly to reinforce the Reef Clew. Reef clew patches […]

Expedition Gear Staging (AKA what was my bedroom)

The staging process has begun. Its like an equipment (Wheres Waldo) Some tools will remain onboard. Some exchanged and replaced. Theres 2 of everything that matters. Were as ready as well ever be. The time has come, to just go….

The Passage maker in its final stages

Dan and Mary giving us the tour of our little ship. Water tight bulkheads and voids will double as storage for emergency gear. Voids in the bow. The keel and skegs will be lined with UHMW for anti chafe. Steven and his sister look on at the astonishing progress. Dan with the Ultra High Molecular […]

Final Stormr testing goes well. Sailing in Resurrection Bay.

Follow the link to show Stormr gear in action! http://youtu.be/7u9K8SllxFk 

The tender gets a fiberglass bottom

Isaac and Dan, working over the stern Here we are smoothing the fillets and prepping the bottom for glass. Dan has put extra ordinary effort into the tender. It was fun to help at this stage. Almost ready for the glass. Stevo found a saw…. Oh no! Here we are laying the glass and epoxy […]

Stormr Gear Testing Video

Captain Osborn and his crew have been testing “Stormr” gear as it will be used while sailing the Northwest Passage to Greenland this year. The video was edited by Stormr, but is an accurate representation of our findings. Which were impressive… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9hUZCKolAc&feature=youtu.be

EMPIRICUS EMBARKS

A site dedicated to purpose filled life, exploration under sail and the philosophy behind it all

Month: April 2013