Seventeen years after becoming the first black person to row across any ocean along with his partner Randal Valdez, Philip Als is intent on etching his name on history’s page once again.
The 65-year-old retiree is part of a team committed to being one of the first groups to cross the Northwest Passage, the bitterly cold Arctic route that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
As a professional windsurfer and rower, Als has an undying passion for the ocean and was ecstatic when the call from the UK came to join the team, despite the hazards usually involved in traversing the area. The risky expedition, led by highly regarded ocean rower Leven Brown, is expected to start next June from the Baffin Island in Canada and should conclude after 60 days and 3 000 nautical miles.
Dubbed “The Last Great First”, the journey will be a test of resolve for the team of rowers who have willingly given of themselves to making the journey successful. The timing of such a journey has to be precise as well, as icy water could spell tremendous trouble for the team. (NM)
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