Waypoints: Planning the Winter Refit

Adak is out of the water. She’s standing in the yard at Van Isle Marina in Sidney, and I was relieved to find that the ice left only bruises on her hull. Most of October went into turning five months of lessons into a refit plan. That means new sails and fixes for the propulsion system and a small crack in the mast. It also means changes that make her a true high-latitude boat: a watertight companionway door, a doghouse extension, a stern arch, and a second steering station. The list now runs to 146 items. → Planning SV Adak’s Refit

I’ve started working on a book about the 2026 expedition. Editors and publishers will need to know how I write, and several of you have asked, so I explain it openly here. → Writing with AI

Consequential decisions are coming. I took some time to reflect on why fear shows up when I’m safe at home rather than when I’m facing real danger. → Do Not Be Afraid

Finally, some housekeeping. If you’re new, or want to introduce Ice Frontiers to a friend, the new Start Here page is the best way in. The Voyage page now tells the full story of the 2026 expedition, introduces the crew, and sketches early plans for 2027.

Refitting an Aluminum Expedition Sailboat After Alaska

After five months and 9,400 nautical miles, Adak is out of the water in Sidney, British Columbia. The winter refit will fix what failed, correct problematic aspects of her designs, and reinforce her high latitude identity.

Ice FrontiersJean Peccoud

AI-Assisted Writing: Who Is the Author? | Ice Frontiers

Navionics drew a neat magenta line to Kodiak. The track we actually sailed was different. I consider myself the author of what I write with AI because the responsibility of what I publish stays with me.

Ice FrontiersJean Peccoud

Do not be afraid: on fear, danger, and commitment

In 1986, at the top of a loaded couloir, I did not feel fear. Last Sunday, safe and with my bills paid, I spent five hours applying for jobs I did not want. On money, the boat, a lost identity, and a command I am only now starting to understand.

Ice FrontiersJean Peccoud

Ice Frontiers: Sailing to Alaska's Glaciers — Start Here

In 2026, I sailed 9,300 miles from New Zealand to Alaska to see tidewater glaciers before they disappeared, or before I did. Start here if you are curious about the journey.

Ice FrontiersJean Peccoud

Sailing Alaska: Inside Passage, PWS, Kodiak, Aleutians

Sailing Alaska aboard Adak, from the Inside Passage and Prince William Sound to Kodiak and the Aleutians. Routes, ports, crew, and what it takes.

Ice FrontiersJean Peccoud