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In a display of courage and resilience, Brazilian sailor Tamara Klink challenges gender stereotypes as she embarks on a solo expedition through the Arctic, navigating extreme conditions.
Tamara Klink. All rights reserved
It is essential to stop believing that there is a boundary between humans and nature, and the two should not be separated.
Alone on the Ice: Tamara Klink’s Arctic Journey
At 26, Brazilian sailor Tamara Klink crossed the North Atlantic to spend the winter on the Arctic ice. In July 2023, she set sail on her own from France aboard her 10-meter sailboat, “Sardinha 2,” to reach the west coast of Greenland. She spent eight months in an uninhabited fjord, living in complete self-sufficiency aboard her boat, trapped in the ice. This journey tested her skills, resilience, and spirit.
Motivations for the Journey
Her journey stems from a childhood dream come true and a deep desire to show that, with careful preparation, one can achieve a great deal while saving resources. The project aimed to expand perceptions of what a woman can accomplish on her own while also raising awareness about climate change, which particularly affects this region of the world.
Preparation for the Expedition
Preparing for the expedition involved careful planning on both material and emotional fronts. The boat was in construction for fifteen months. Tamara studied previous overwintering projects and consulted with more experienced sailors to anticipate the challenges she would encounter. She also underwent physical training, honed her navigation skills, and worked with a psychologist to get ready for the challenges of isolation and the four months of long nights.
Challenges of the North Atlantic
Crossing the North Atlantic was often a complex journey. Headwinds, rough seas, and seasickness marked the three days of sailing between France and Ireland. During the next fourteen days to Greenland, she was joined by three northern fulmars, which witnessed the calm and storms the sailboat faced until they encountered the first icebergs.
Tamara Klink. All rights reserved
Encounters and Discoveries
Tamara finally dropped anchor in the overwintering fjord on October 21, 2023. This marked the beginning of her solitude and a new sedentary life to which she had to adapt. The fish she caught and stored on the deck attracted foxes, which managed to steal several. Writing became her refuge, allowing her to reflect on her experiences and organize her memories. The characters in her books kept her company during her walks and moments of contemplation.
Her stay in Greenland was filled with meaningful connections. Before her isolation, she reached out to local fishermen and seal hunters, who offered her advice on navigating the ice and understanding the weather while occasionally expressing their doubts about her abilities. Many questioned her physical and mental strength, perpetuating gender stereotypes. However, their gender-biased perspectives shifted after the winter, as hunters began asking for feedback and insights about the area. “You’re a strong woman,” they told her, to which she replied, “You may not be a woman, but you’re strong too.”
Fear and Doubt
She spent eight months in the fjord—four months without seeing another person and three months without seeing the sun. During that time, she faced moments of fear and doubt: Is the boat strong enough to handle the impacts with the ice? Will my aversion to cold ever improve? Will I find enough snow to make water and avoid dehydration?
Despite these challenges, Tamara found ways to cope. In moments of uncertainty, she drew motivation from the sailors who inspired her to embark on this journey. Writing also served as an outlet, allowing her to express her thoughts on paper and make sense of her fears.
Return to Life on Land
After spending a year and two months at sea, returning to life on land brought its own set of challenges. Tamara is now navigating this transition, reconnecting with loved ones and readjusting to the pace of life in society.
Future Projects
Before she resumes her sailing in the Arctic, Tamara plans to share her wintering experience through an exhibition, a film, and a book: “When we sail, the traces of our journey fade behind the boat. The power of storytelling is to let others experience that journey.”
What is UNESCO Green Citizens?
This initiative connects local citizen solutions, UNESCO’s scientific expertise, and the willingness of young people to engage in the fight against climate change. Learn more about these 150 innovative and duplicable projects, led by citizens.
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