Talk: "Sailing for our climate : the first single-handed Arctic circumnavigation" by Ella Hibbert

Talk: "Sailing for our climate : the first single-handed Arctic circumnavigation" by Ella Hibbert, Friday 24th April 2026

In 2025, Ella Hibbert completed the first half of her Arctic circumnavigation, sailing solo from England to Alaska, and becoming the first British woman to sail alone through the NorthWest Passage. In this talk she'll describe the voyage - the wonderful wildlife, incredible rural communities, and the challenges faced including fire, flooding and running aground! She'll also discuss what comes next, as she embarks on the NorthEast Passage in 2026, to complete the first ever single handed Arctic circumnavigation.

Ella is a young RYA Yachtmaster Instructor who is passionately aware of the effects climate change on the fragile nature of the Arctic. After extensive research she extended her plan into a campaign to become the first person to solo circumnavigate the entire Arctic Circle. Ella's talk will include the environmental challenges that the Arctic is facing due to global warming and man-made climate change. 

Ella says:

"It will be great to talk to you about the updates since I last spoke [in March 2025], so many things have happened. I'm looking forward to explain what it means to me, personally and professionally, as well as what it will mean to the future of the Arctic Ocean and its inhabitants. This is an immense feat, the first of its kind, made achievable only by the increasing devastation of man-made global warming on our world's most fragile region. To be the first person to set a sailing record so harrowing will be incredibly bittersweet; truth be told, if we were doing enough to preserve the Arctic sea ice, my voyage wouldn't even be possible. 

So, come to the talk and we can chat about sailing, expeditions, inspirations, set-backs, dreams, and ambitious, together. I look forward to seeing you again!"

The talk will take place in the meeting room at the Haslar Marina office. Please use the labelled entrance door at the back of the office building, on the path that leads down to the marina gate. Those attending can meet for drinks and / or a meal at The Creek beforehand and we are welcome to take our drinks over to the meeting room for the talk.

You can learn much more about Ella and her adventure on her website here.

The itinerary for the evening is:

         18:00 (or earlier)    Meet at The Creek restaurant if you want to buy yourselves a drink and/or a meal

         19:00 - 20:00         Talk on "Sailing for our climate" in Haslar Marina office meeting room

         20:00 - 20:30         Q & As

         20:30                     Post talk drink and/or meal in The Creek for those who wish

Last updated 3:21am on 10 January 2026