I was intrigued when I saw a post noting that Gloucester is hosting special visitors at the Cape Ann Marina following a sail across the ocean in the northern latitudes. The Snow Bear is anchored at Cape Ann Marina for several weeks as Skipper Stephen Bradley and First Mate Sarah Pederson contemplate their next journey. We met on this beautiful 40′ sailboat and talked a bit about their motivation and adventures. When I learned that Stephen is also an avid wildlife photographer, I knew I was in the right place.
They are warm and friendly and open to discussing their sailings. They left last spring from Ireland and took the Viking Route across the Atlantic which includes Faroes Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Newfoundland & Labrador. This journey is about 4000 nautical miles. Their biggest challenge on such journeys is always ICE but getting around Greenland presented the greatest obstacle largely due to lack of updated navigation information amongst the many many fijords and harbors. Sarah also noted that the winds had been crazy this year so that’s an additional hurdle. They are very well equipped to handle such obstacles and have lots of experience supporting them. Stephen has been sailing since he was 12 years old and Sarah started about 11 years ago.
We asked about their Gloucester and Cape Ann experiences. They noted that entering through the Cut Bridge was “interesting” though Stephen says he hit it at slack tide so they were fine. They enjoy musical entertainment so of course they were directed to the Rhumb Line. They have met some of our favorite Gloucester people including Bill Wrinn (thanks Bill!) who have helped with rides and directing them to various events and establishments.
It was a lovely visit and I nearly forgot to take pictures. If you see them around town, please say hello. They each noted that the friendliness and helpfulness they have encountered on this continent has been a bit of a surprise and reassuring. While they contemplate their next move, Sarah notes they both love “Just Sailing”. For more info check out their website and follow their adventures aboard Snow Bear.































