Matt Rutherford // Around the Arctic (in a Valiant This Time!)

Matt Rutherford // Around the Arctic (in a Valiant This Time!)

From On the Wind Sailing by 59º North Sailing Podcasts

May 5, 2026 · 1h 33m · Episode 497

About this episode

Matt Rutherford discusses his upcoming adventure to circumnavigate the Arctic on a Valiant 42.

When Matt first went around the America's in his Albin Vega in 2011 (becoming the first and only person, still to this day, to do it solo and nonstop), he didn't have a radar despite all the icebergs. "I'd also rather have a Valiant 42"! he'd joke when people asked about it. Well, now he does! Matt is about to set forth on another epic adventure, aiming to circumnavigate the Arctic, above the Northwest & NorthEAST passages, on a Valiant 42 on loan from a friend (and 59º North crew I should add). I talked to Matt, with our mutual friend Ryan Finstad in attendance, in Annapolis two weeks ago to get an update. -- Support the podcast & become a member of The Quarterdeck , where Andy, August & Mia dive deep on the art of seam'nship. Nerd out with us on our members-only forum and talk boats, gear, safety-at-sea, meet like-minded sailors, find crew, and more. Check it out on quarterdeck.59-north.com . See you there! -- This season of ON THE WIND is supported by our friends at Schooner Woodwind and BVI Yacht Sales . Support the show by supporting our sponsors!

People in this episode

Hosts: Andy, August, Mia

Guest: Matt Rutherford

Topics covered

  • sailing
  • adventure
  • Arctic
  • circumnavigation
  • seamanship

Keywords

  • Arctic
  • sailing
  • Valiant 42
  • Matt Rutherford
  • adventure
  • seamanship
  • circumnavigation

Sponsors

Schooner Woodwind, BVI Yacht Sales

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 59º North Sailing Podcasts

Products: Valiant 42

Places: Annapolis

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