History of the "Polar bear"

Our yacht is a custom built former racing yacht, built in 1999 to partcicipate the BT-challenge first in 2000.

There are only 9 other yachts of that type built ever; all for the same race. The BT-challenge is the only world
around race, which goes in the "wrong" direction. That means all the way against the ruling winds, so if you wish to follow, you haveto turn to the right; direction Cape Horn after crossing the equator. (The first cicrcumnavigation in that direction in solo sailing happened first in 1971.)
To be able not only participate but also to finish such a race you need a very solid shiphull. Compared to a regular race yacht (composite) Polar bear is built of steal and stainles steal and weights close to 70tonns. Only its boom and main sail is close to 1000kg.

Originally for the race in 2000 there were 18 crew members reqruited. It absolved the race in 168 days. After reconstructing some parts it absolved the race again in 2004. In 2005 the yacht was equipped with roll sails and some other instruments to make it possible Dee Cafari to sail the yacht alone; instead of 18 crew member. She became history as she circumnavigated the earth in 2006 at the age of 33 in the wrong direction in only 178 days.

Our present skipper Andy Dare was skipper on the yacht during the year 2000 race.

His experience is far enough for our small trip now, just above the artic circle:)