Canadian currently solo circumnavigating the 5 Capes with non electronic navigation

by SV Seaburban Shoreteam 18 Apr 2020 14:10 UTC

Gabriola Island resident Bert ter Hart is hoping to be the first North American to complete a single-handed, non-stop West-about circumnavigation via the five Southern Great Capes using only traditional non-electronic navigational tools while also undertaking a significant environmental outreach program during his voyage.

• Bert is an active member of the Gabriola Island Power and Sail Squadron (CPS-ECP) and until recently, the Educational Officer. He is also a member of the Silva Bay Yacht Club, Gabriola Island and the Ocean Cruising Club.
• His background includes a master's degree in Oceanography, military service, martial arts, and is self-employed developing and teaching search engine software.
• He has skippered his boat several times to the Bering Sea while rounding Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii
• He was recently honoured as a co-recipient of an OCC Challenge Grant to help facilitate meritorious voyages of adventure of environmental concern.
• It is the first time a person from North America has attempted such a challenge.

The Sailboat, SV Seaburban: Built in 1987 at Hamilton Ontario by Hank Hinkley and a Canadian Partner, Seaburban is an OCY 45. Based on the Reliance 44 hull, she's a go-anywhere Cruising Club of America design by Pierre Meunier that has proven herself over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea.

April 15th, 2020: Bert is approaching the fourth landmark, the South East Cape of Australia below Tasmania and will then quickly round his final and fifth cape, the South Cape in New Zealand. His journey has been an adventure in weather and human resilience. Only 300 people have completed this journey solo in comparison to the 4000 people that have conquered Mt. Everest.

After Bert's voyage caught the attention of the Good News Network and Yahoo!Lifestyles, Bert is trending on social media. His Instagram page quickly shot up by 4000+ followers in 24 hours. The January FaceBook post "the Storm" reached over 50,000! Bert is also hoping to inspire the next generation of scientists, explorers and sailors with children and classrooms who have been following his journey around the Globe.

Expected return will be July 1st, 2020 to Victoria BC.