The Northwest Passage, a historically impassable arctic route between the Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, has become more navigable during the summer months due to changing ice conditions. Since 1991, only about 150 pleasure boats have made this passage and in 2024 the crew of SV Dogbark completed this iconic route over 74 days, turning a historic dream into a modern maritime reality. Facing scarce resources and complex logistics in some of the world’s most remote and barren regions, Al and Shauna Hughes and Sandy Lam sailed 7,000 nautical miles from Sitka, Alaska, to Twillingate, Newfoundland. In addition to unpredictable winds, ice, currents, and weather, their story includes extraordinary wildlife encounters—including polar bears—and meaningful moments connecting with Inuit communities. This talk brings life to the ongoing transformation of the Arctic, the practical realities of small-boat exploration, and the deep connection between sailors and the sea.

Al Hughes grew up sailing and racing. For his “mid-life crisis” he bought an Open 60 which was built in Australia and had been raced single-handed around the world. He renamed it Dogbark and did three single-handed Transpacs. He later sold Dogbark to Graeme Eseray with whom he won the first Race to Alaska. Graeme turned Dogbark more into a cruising boat and sailed the Pacific with his family. Al and his wife, Shauna, have raced competitively for years in the J/105 fleet. Graeme later sold half of Dogbark back to Al and they, with their families, planned to sail Dogbark in various countries over the next ten years. In order to this, the first big step was to successfully navigate the NW passage in 2024.

Sandy Lam, who also did the trip, will be helping with the presentation.