Babouchka

In 2011, Sebastien tried to cross the North Pole with his friend Rodolphe on board a «polar catamaran». Their goal was to achieve a world first on one of the greatest maritime adventures ever undertaken: to be the first in the history of mankind to cover the Arctic Ocean by means of a sailing vessel without any assistance. But after 47 days and mere 650 km out of the 3000, they had to give up their dream, because of a faulty main battery. Nonetheless, in 2013, Sebastien sets off again for the same mission better equipped, with a new hi-tech prototype, and a new crew mate, called Vincent. Sebastien himself has designed and built the new vessel, which proves to be extremely fast on sea, snow and ice – thanks to improved lines that give it more glide. The catamaran, which he named BABOUCHKA, is so bound to take it over pressure ridges in the ice much more easily than the former boat. Vincent’s great experience of sailing and of polar regions should come to great help. Besides, he’s also an excellent cameraman (see their previous expedition called Ice Trap...) Sebastien and Vincent have all the assets to rise to this new challenge, which will demand extreme effort. Yet it’s a hard way to sail...