High-stakes sailing voyage: Jimmy Cornell introduces the High Latitude Challenge
Jimmy Cornell, a celebrated sailor known for inspiring ocean crossings, is set to embark on a new sailing event - the High Latitude Challenge. This exciting venture will take participants on an unforgettable journey through high latitude regions, offering a challenging and adventurous sailing experience[1][3].
The High Latitude Challenge is reminiscent of Cornell's early involvement with the ARC rally, which also originated from a collaboration with a website. The first ARC rally, launched in St. Katharine Docks in 1986, saw 209 boats depart for Barbados in late November[2].
The exact start date for the High Latitude Challenge is yet to be confirmed, but given the timing of related events and content from mid-2025, it appears that the event is either upcoming or just starting around this period[1][2][3].
The High Latitude Challenge will see participants sailing from Cherbourg, France in September 2026, heading south to Rio, Brazil, and then on to the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, the route continues northbound in the Pacific, with stops at Easter Island and Honolulu before reaching Alaska[1]. The intention is to transit the Northwest Passage and Labrador Sea to Newfoundland after attempting to do so from Alaska[1].
Yachts may join at various points along the route, such as Ushuaia, Argentina, or Dutch Harbor, Alaska[1]. Logistical and service support will be available at two key stopover points, with good facilities: Mar del Plata in Argentina, and Honolulu in Hawaii[1].
Jimmy Cornell's Aventura III was in Antarctica during the planning of the High Latitude Challenge, reflecting the event's focus on expedition sailing destinations[1]. It's important to note that the High Latitude Challenge is not a reboot of the ARC rally but a separate event with a similar spirit of camaraderie and adventure[1].
Qualified participants will be asked to pay a non-refundable fee of £500, with a participation fee to be determined based on the number of participants[1]. The High Latitude Challenge is not planned as an organized rally but as a rolling event with participants joining anywhere along the route[1].
For those interested in joining the High Latitude Challenge, Cornell is sending questionnaires to potential participants to assess their sailing experience and suitability for the event[1]. More information about the event can be found on official Jimmy Cornell or related sailing event announcements[1].
[1] - Cornell, Jimmy. (n.d.). High Latitude Challenge. Retrieved from https://www.worldcruising.com/high-latitude-challenge [2] - Cornell, Jimmy. (n.d.). ARC Rally. Retrieved from https://www.worldcruising.com/arc-rally [3] - High Latitude Challenge. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Latitude_Challenge
The High Latitude Challenge, a new event inspired by Jimmy Cornell, promises to be an adventure-travel endeavor combined with bluewater cruising, offering a unique travel lifestyle experience for participants. This sailing event, reminiscent of Cornell's ARC rally, will take participants on a challenging and adventurous journey, characterized by sports and exploration, through high latitude regions.
