So far, the Arctic Sense 2021 crew has involved people from across the globe with a variety of diverse skill sets. This continues into Chapter 3 of the expedition with the addition of four more exceptional team members – continue reading to find out more about the latest crew.
Photo by Tord Karlsen
Hugh Francis Anderson
British
Writer & Co-Expedition Lead
Svalbard – Jan Mayen – Faroes – London
Skills you’ll be bringing to Barba / Arctic Sense?
I’ll lead the team as we recreate the climb of Mount Beerenberg, which was first summited in August 1921. Alongside writing about this journey, I’ll also be working with Hugo and Andreas to make a short documentary. Plus, I bring with me an exquisite risotto recipe and enough dad jokes to keep everyone (or just myself) amused 😛
Whilst I’m the reporter for this chapter, I’ve also helped bring the climbing and the stories from Jan Mayen to life. In addition, I’m also part of the on-land communications team.
Top 3 tracks to add to the Barba playlist
Sleeping on the Blacktop – Colter Wall Cola Bottle Baby – Edwin Birdsong The Shoals of Herring – Oscar Isaac
What’s your motivation for being involved in the project and what do you hope to achieve from it?
After working with Andreas and the Barba team on a few expeditions now, the chance to co-lead the Jan Mayen chapter and share the rich history of this island is one that I’m deeply excited about. It’s all about adventure with purpose, and I’m thrilled we’re able to follow in the footsteps of old polar explorers to share contemporary research and storytelling.
Anything else you’d like to us know and share such as projects you’re otherwise working on or what you’ll be doing next?
There’s always a story bubbling away and an expedition on the horizon. The next may well take me north once again…
What are you most looking forward to about your journey / involvement?
Climbing Mount Beerenberg and discovering the level of glacial retreat. But I’m also excited to spend time with a new crew and develop the family bond that always comes when on an expedition.
Top 3 things you’ll be packing that you can’t be without?
Film camera – It’s lovely to capture moments without being able to see each image. It makes developing them and reliving the moments all the more enjoyable. Journal – It’s imperative to keep a daily journal so that I can write about the journey in detail upon my return.
Instagram: @hughfrancisanderson ; Website: hughfrancisanderson.com
Hugo W F Pettit
British
Photographer & filmmaker
Svalbard – Jan Mayen – Faroes
Skills you’ll be bringing to Barba / Arctic Sense?
Photographer & documentary filmmaker, reluctant cold water swimmer
Top 3 tracks to add to the Barba playlist
Arcade Fire – Rebellion, Bears Den – Elysium , Joywaves – Tongues, Mumford&Sons – Hopeless Wanderer, Phoenix – Lisztomania, Dermot Kennedy – All my friends
What’s your motivation for being involved in the project and what do you hope to achieve from it?
It’s an authentic and sustainable adventure with purpose and relevance at a tipping point in climate change. I hope to document the expedition with a series of stunning and poignant photos and a documentary worthy of an award.
Anything else you’d like to us know and share such as projects you’re otherwise working on or what you’ll be doing next?
I’m a director of a production agency called 8 Seconds Ltd.
What are you most looking forward to about your journey / involvement?
I’m hugely looking forward to being out of my comfort zone and after a long while, being mentally, physically and creatively challenged. I’m looking forward to documenting an expedition made up of a team that inspire me.
Top 3 things you’ll be packing that you can’t be without?
A good pillow, earphones to shut out the world, copious amounts of decent socks
Instagram: @hugopettit @weare8seconds ; Website: www.weare8seconds.comn
Photo by Hugo Pettit
Jaap van Rijckevorsel
Dutch
Sailor & polar guide
Svalbard – Jan Mayen – Faroes
Skills you’ll be bringing to Barba / Arctic Sense?
Sailing, unsolicited advice, anchor watch, maybe some bread
Top 3 tracks to add to the Barba playlist
Erik Verwey – People Flow (entire album)
What’s your motivation for being involved in the project and what do you hope to achieve from it?
To contribute to an expedition that sets high goals for itself and has the people and culture to achieve m; or more mundane: sailing to an iconic Arctic destination and possibly to have a wander ashore (historic Kvalrossbukta?) when celebrating a successful climb.
Anything else you’d like to us know and share such as projects you’re otherwise working on or what you’ll be doing next?
Co-skipper of the Rotterdam Offshore Sailing Team, coaching the next generation of offshore racing talent (who are sailing the Dutch championship whilst we are at anchor on Jan). Setting up a science and innovation program using racing yachts as a platform. Open to any serious opportunities that involve sailing, science, the Arctic and teamwork.
What are you most looking forward to about your journey / involvement?
To have a great sail to an iconic Arctic destination, seeing it after reading about it, whilst solving the puzzle as it plays out in trying to get the guys on top of the VolcanoBear.
Top 3 things you’ll be packing that you can’t be without?
Wooly hat knitted by gf, thermoscup, eyepatch
Facebook: Jaap van Rijckevorsel ; Instagram: @jaapvanrijckevorsel ; Linkedin – All sleepy accounts but I’d love to meet for a coffee!
Photo by Hugo Pettit
Annik Cecilie Saxegaard Falch
Norwegian
Sustainability consultant and philosopher
Svalbard – Jan Mayen – Faroes
Skills you’ll be bringing to Barba / Arctic Sense?
Sailing, cooking, initiating conversation around sustainability and conversation, inspiring the guys to join me in cold water swimming and generally dancing around in the boat and sharing vast amounts of energy.
Top 3 tracks to add to the Barba playlist
The moon is a harsh mistress by Gundelach, I need a win by Mamas Gun and Svalbard-Theme by Sigmund Groven
What’s your motivation for being involved in the project and what do you hope to achieve from it?
I would like to learn (from the best) how to trim sails, nagivate, and be helpful as a crewmember in heavy weather/offshore sailing. As for the mission and journey, I really appreciate Barba’s positive focus, shedding light on the beauty of the North, the seas and arctic wildlife – and I’m hoping to contribute as much as I can to the scientific research and storytelling being conducted.
Anything else you’d like to us know and share such as projects you’re otherwise working on or what you’ll be doing next?
Starting in a new job as an ESG/Sustainability consultant at Governance, Risk and Compliance advisory firm FCG, upgrading to a bigger sailboat and getting into cross country skiing expeditions.
What are you most looking forward to about your journey / involvement?
The conversations and camaraderie onboard, losing sight of land, experiencing the midnight sun offshore, understanding the motives for exploration and the interactions with wildlife around Jan Mayen and in the open ocean.
Top 3 things you’ll be packing that you can’t be without?
My duvet, earplugs and the book “Myth of Sisyphus” by Albert Camus
Instagram: @annikcecilie
Featured photo: Hugo Pettit
