Willy de Roos - Northwest Passage

Mark-1

Mark-1

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Just read Willy de Roos's book 'Northwest Passage' about his trip in Williwaw through during one season back in the 70's. (This was when it was still a bit icy and getting through in one season was something of a rarity.)

I've heard his version, anyone else know any more from a different perspective?
 
Have met Willy de Roos personally, a year after he returned. He prompted me to join the Withbread , which eventually I did joining a a crew on the Flyer. The book does reflect the stories he told. A pitty he passed in 2008. But his legendary travels, there are more books and readings about him available.
Snoeren
 
It's one of those books I've managed to get for my collection but not read yet. I met Willy on Williwaw when he called into an antarctic base, Faraday in 1983 (I think: may have been '84). That was one impressive yacht, he was on his circumnavigation of the Americas, the first yacht to do it and I think the first vessel to do it in one go. He told us that a Japanese yacht had set off the year before to do the same thing, and got iced in for the winter. Williwaw passed him, ploughing through the fast ice, leaving their rival to await the thaw.

He had all the gizmos, including radar which was not common then. Unfortunately he had to turn back at that point because the radar transmitter was playing up, which was a shame, although he did make sure he went a bit further to "tick" the Antarctic circle.
 
Williwaw is now a part of the collection of the Antwerp Maritime Museum. She was restored a few years ago and still in seaworthy condition. IIRC she has taken part in some of the recent Tall Ships Races
 
Thanks, Evadne and everyone else. Hoped for a first had experience and got one. Top bloke.
 
Mark-1 said:
Just read Willy de Roos's book 'Northwest Passage' about his trip in Williwaw through during one season back in the 70's. (This was when it was still a bit icy and getting through in one season was something of a rarity.)

I've heard his version, anyone else know any more from a different perspective?
Click to expand...

do you mean from the canadian (or american?) boat that he assissted a couple of times?

or have i got the wrong book?
 
bikedaft said:
do you mean from the canadian (or american?) boat that he assissted a couple of times?

or have i got the wrong book?
Click to expand...

Yes, you've got the right book, and yes you've guessed correctly that I was fishing for the Canadian boat's POV. :D
 
i wondered that too

read teh book a while ago tho

de roos got thru and the other's didn't. and i think some of the other boat's crew left etc.

but then if i headed to that area i wouldn't have much of a clue either :-)
 
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