Speaker to Share NW Passage Cruising Adventures

Byline: The Log Staff

MARINA DEL REY — Global explorer Rich Abele will share highlights of his recent cruise through the Northwest Passage aboard the expedition vessel Clipper Adventurer, at California Yacht Club’s monthly yachting luncheon, Jan. 31.

Abele has spoken to enthusiastic attendees at California YC on four previous occasions, covering his often hair-raising global pursuits — including tours of the North and South poles, Ross Sea in Antarctica and the Aleutian Islands — all venues not for the faint of heart.

Starting in Kangerlussuaq, Abele and his intrepid group of adventurers visited villages on the western coast of Greenland, crossed Baffin Bay and entered Nunavut at Lancaster Sound. They then navigated on the route pioneered by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen in 1905, along the Passage to Kugluktuk, north of Alberta.

Along the route of rugged terrain, they observed polar bears, walruses and numerous species of birds, and they visited various historical sites and villages of ethnic Inuit people. The resulting kaleidoscope of geographic wonders, punctuated by unique flora and fauna, intertwined with cultures of the indigenous population, was an amazing odyssey few have had the opportunity to enjoy, he said.

Those interested in attending the luncheon are advised to come early for the best seating, as a capacity audience is anticipated.

Happy hour is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., with the buffet luncheon scheduled to begin at 12:20 p.m. Abele is expected to give start his presentation at 12:40 p.m. The cost is $16.25 and it is open to the public.

California YC is located at 4469 Admiralty Way. For more information, call (310) 823-4567 or visit calyachtclub.com.