Sailing the Northwest Passage 2023: A Family's Adventure into the Arctic

[@edwardhomson6005]

Every now and again KZbin throws up an absolute gem. This is a diamond amongst the rough.

[@donaldbaumgartner9621]

A 'gem', indeed!

[@fraserconnell21]

Yes ! 🫡👏👍🏼

[@troelssmit1]

Yep

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you Edward!

[@chillmobil]

I agree 100% Beautiful video, and beautiful boat!

[@Joey_Bluffer]

How lucky is Dean to have such adventurous, brave parents to take him through the Northwest Passage! Awesome trip thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks, Joey. Glad you enjoyed; fair winds!

[@einwuppertaler4997]

What a wonderful experience! Your son will never forget this his entire life, so good to see when parents really take care.

[@dangallagher8034]

My sincere and deep gratitude for your family bringing this into the world for our enjoyment. This is beyond beautiful to behold, whether a sailor or not.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it, we appreciate your kind words.

[@ljhoats]

Adorable having your child narrating. Priceless cuteness. Loved it! Would be great talking about the friends you met along the way.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Great idea!! Glad you enjoyed

[@greatpix]

It's great that Dean has these videos, and a book, to look back on as he goes through life. Much better than a photo album.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

yes, certainly hoping he appreciates them when he's older.

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

What an absolutely wonderful film, and what a great choice of the very talented young Dean to narrate it.

[@fraserconnell21]

We just watched this majestic film once Again. The joy in young chaps face upon launching Quadermarange 💥. Everyone needs a Quadermarange now and again 😊

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Yep, thanks for watching! We still have Quaddy and it still brings a smile for every launching 😁

[@fraserconnell21]

@JohnPennington-xx8qx We just ordered "Thicker than ice" . Money well spent 😊🫡🫡

[@AllisonandJamesSailing]

You guys are amazing, so grateful to have met you! Everyone here, grab a copy of Thicker Than Ice, it’s a hilariously inspiring yet relatable read, we couldn’t put it down!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you Allison!

[@stephenconway4976]

A truly wonderful family, film and fabulous narrator. Congratulations Pennigton family.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you very much Stephen!

[@wendall125]

Magnificent video. Stunning visuals and charming, articulate narrator!

[@MrOj53]

I am happy when children get a real adventure early in life. best wishes from Sweden

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you! Good adventures make good people 😀

[@fraserconnell21]

​@JohnPennington-xx8qx very true. High latitude sailing means nobody gets a bedtime anymore... Gotta get me a quadamarang😊😊

[@svpolarexpress]

Hi John, I watched this movie many times with different friends and had a great time every time. Can’t wait to read your new book!

[@TotTot-rw2tk]

The best summation of a life planned and lived I've seen. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you!! More living than planning but still going strong!

[@enricocarraro4547]

This video is a gem. Congrats for the passage and for the great parenting! It was honestly so awesome to watch. Little Dean will surely grow up with a heck of a story to tell and with an adventurous spirit, which is the key to a happy life. That's how I wanna grow up my kids as well, in the future :)

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you so much, Enrico! Not sure Dean appreciates it yet, but hoping he will one day!

[@karelvandervelden8819]

Welldone Dean ! I sailed with my parents too when I was your age. (at the NorthSea) I am now 71.

[@playaysol]

Seeing your children playing with the local arctic children was so cool!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks! The locals were always very welcoming and excited to have us visit.

[@otovermillion]

I really loved to watch your documentary...today my wife asked me what i wish for Xmas...i said "i need nothing"...i sure just changed my mind, i would love to read "Thicker than Ice" and keep it in my little boat library.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

That's great to hear! Hope you enjoy it. Happy holidays!

[@markwhittingham5270]

Can only echo the praise of others for this wonderful and original film of your adventures. Thank you so much all of you. The narration was great too❤😊

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks Mark! Will pass your compliments to Dean.

[@marcowestphal7005]

Beautiful Story - Thanks for sharing ! Stay safe Pennington family 😊

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you! Fair winds.

[@mstanleynh]

Go Dean! You guys are such legends, what an awe inspiring journey!

[@sailor5026]

Thanks. great family. Great boat. Fair winds to you.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Our pleasure!

[@rsm609]

Thank you for sharing... what an inspiration to know that dreams can be realized. Safe seas.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you too! Fair winds.

[@Dabear88]

The story is very enduring as told by your son. Excellent video of an amazing journey.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you very much!

[@sumobear2031]

SUPERB film, could of watched so much more of this adventure.

[@maxcaravan7584]

What an exquisite experience for a youngster - and the adults! Thanks for sharing this amazing voyage. I loved the narration. I imagine you were very grateful for the time spent in the meticulous preparation and planning. Best not to wait for retirement to experience this type of adventure.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thanks Max! Yes, definitely best to be prepared and you're correct, it was a very challenging voyage physically.

[@fraserconnell21]

We just bought Pop's book🫡. The mom and dad nourished young chap and he truly has a positive outlook,so good job mom and pop😊 🫡✊️🫵❤

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you; hope you enjoy the book too!

[@singlehandsailor]

Outstanding! Well done! With respect, from start to finish. Safe sailing for the rest of your voyage. ❤

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

Safety was not why you sailed

[@26N80W]

superb story telling. Amazing experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks for watching!

[@samingosailing]

Just completed the book 'Thicker Than Ice'. It joins the bookshelves with the classic sailing books of the last century alongside the Pennington's first wonderful book 'Orca'.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Very kind of you, James. Thank you!

[@samingosailing]

@@JohnPennington-xx8qx Simple fact. It is ... superb

[@richardwill935]

Brilliant! Exceptional video in every way.

[@fraserconnell21]

Just watched again ! It's almost like our families favourite BBC Documentary 😊. ❤

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Haha, except filmed with a cell phone ;). Glad you enjoyed.

[@jucha6992]

you guys are awesome, kid is going to be a great human, we need more

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you!

[@srenoster728]

Great adventure, and what a happy family your are. Thank's for sharring.

[@globyois]

What an ADORABLY CUTE little boy you have! And he did a great job of narrating, too!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

You are so kind; I'll pass along your compliments!

[@andrewwillis1917]

Wonderful! Well done to you all. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you Andre!

[@SteveR100AU]

Oh , what a wonderful adventure for this young man

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Glad you think so, Steve. He still likes the sailing life!

[@docofthebay1224]

Brilliant!! I love that the story was told in Dean's voice. What an adventure.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you! glad you enjoyed it Doc!

[@kerstinlopto6363]

Thank you so much for this fantastic film. Made my day. Happy sailing ❤

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you Kerstin!

[@alex_buerkle]

Thanks for this video and your very fine books, which I found thru this video. I returned to watch the video again after finishing your Ice book. Your storytelling and humor are kind and thoughtful. I am thankful to have learned about your sailing family and your experiences. All the best to you.

[@piotrczarniecki8411]

Great movie. beautiful adventure with a catamaran in the background. you are the best

[@thomsonsails]

What a terrific little film. Wish there was more. Excellent filming, editing and narration. Plus it looks like an extremely well prepared and executed voyage.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you Thomson Sails!

[@annelbeab8124]

Less up beat music maybe 🤔

[@thomsonsails]

@@annelbeab8124 I can't say I noticed anything in the music that spoilt my appreciation ; )

[@alastaircurrie5396]

Excellent, so inspirational in many ways. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you for watching!

[@colinwilliams9290]

Loved this and the narration of the video was truly magical, well done young man👏👏

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you Colin!

[@craigbarrett9196]

Absolutely EPIC!!! Currently living on a sailboat year round in Maine with my family. Fantastic video, one of the best that I have seen in a long time!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks Craig. Enjoy a beautiful Maine summer and fall for us. Fair winds!

[@trumpetmano]

WOW...thanks for sharing-what a beautiful voyage.

[@DavidKrisFrostAdams]

Wow. Broke my heart. Such a beautiful video. Loved it so much. Xxx🎉❤

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you Kris! And thanks for all your help in England, we'd have been in trouble without you guys!

[@MariDuru21]

this is so so so cool. Congratulations to Dean for being a great story teller.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you Mari!

[@harpomorris1909]

This was excellent, great photography, phenomenal drone footage, and I loved the understated narration, it worked really well to have Dean narrate, I thought it might be cheesy, but it wasn’t at all. I really enjoyed watching it.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you very much!

[@PeteThecurious100]

I enjoyed that. Well done, different, skill and courage.

[@Building_a_Boat_by_the_River]

Beautiful film, family and boat! Amazing job guys

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you!

[@edsonnogueira969]

Viagem incrível de excelentes navegadores. Parabéns.

[@ChefePaniego]

Maravillosa historia! Gracias ❤

[@samingosailing]

I love this video! This is the absolute best. I have always said if I needed a crew to sail to save my life it would only be you. For anyone watching this video the parents had already sailed one and a half times round the world before the narrator was born! I send my love to the crew and their fine ship. I see one of my pics made it in to the video. I'm dead chuffed. Loads of love Mr n 'Talisker 1'.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you James! Loved sailing with you up to Lowestoft, so sorry we missed your photo credit. Updated the description to include you. Lots of love from Alaska!

[@samingosailing]

John! You did not need to do that! That was not why I mentioned it. I want to sail in the Pacific before I die. I fear if I visit I'd be more trouble than Arthur! Your video has warmed my heart. Thank you thank you

[@TheJeffreyConway]

What an amazing little movie!! An epic voyage!

[@nanoceramics2747]

What incredible story, you are an inspiration.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikemiller9867]

Your narrator is the best, quite an adventure ❤

[@rdint]

Finished your book, what a great read. Awesome adventure.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you! Appreciate the kind words.

[@lizflorom6021]

Loved the video especially with your son narrating! Beautiful!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks Liz!

[@PhilWalsh-dt2gk]

Hi guys, I have to credit you all. We did this NWP trip E-W in 2001 (Turmoil) and tried the next year W-E and failed. It was hard on the first unassisted motor yacht to go through and being a sailor (and getting the Laser pics against a massive iceberg) I can imagine what is was like in your vessel, only 2 of you + Dean, despite the huge difference in pack ice thickness. Being an ice pilot as well, it does take away form the achievement nor make today any easier than it was 23 years ago. With just 3 of you....wow! Congrats and I look forward to following you through the very familiar Pacific.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you! It was a good ice year which certainly helped.

[@roadboat9216]

What an amazing treat to view this documentary. So well done. This should win awards.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it; no awards but your kind words are plenty. Fair winds!

[@bertclements]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MichaelBaird-tf7gx]

What an adventure! So enjoyable, so amusing, and heartwarming. Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you Michael!

[@johnmartlew5897]

I explored the NWP on google earth one evening on a whim. Now KZbin shows me these NWP passage makers. I had no idea there were so many choosing this route. There are almost no inhabited stations, supply or rescue sources. Like the middle of the ocean with land all around you. Awesome.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thanks John, exactly right! all the downsides of being offshore but with rocks nearby!

[@brianjohnson8967]

Absolutely wonderful !!! "Push Pop push... Reel Dean reel" .... now that's teamwork.... also .. gotta love that pilot house !!!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks Brian! Yes, pilot house was a lifesaver, especially when there was any wind chill. Fair winds!

[@MatWalter-q3h]

amazing in so many ways

[@fraserconnell21]

For all who find this magnificent film as charming as our family did. We heartily recommend POP'S book that gives a magical back story to how hard things can be to string something like this together! . Fortunately young Dean has clever mom and pop too and they found a great yacht with a poor engine.. Luckily for mom ,pop and Dean there was a lovely optimistic cousin who cherished the concept of crossing the Atlantic in a yacht with no engine 😊. After all this the North west passage beckoned.... And what a great back story to this film the book makes. The book is "Thicker than ice" by John A Pennington!. We bought ours of Amazon. Its such a compelling readalong with the KZbin film 😊. It's Available at all great bookshops.. We all need a Mom and Pop in our lives.. Not forgetting a Quadermarange 😊😊😊

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you! Really appreciate your kind words; so glad you enjoyed them both.

[@Andre-yu3qs]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing.

[@sarahrowe9243]

I spent 3 months in the South Pacific crewing and brings back a lot of memories from 1987. And reminds me why I've never been on a boat since!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

haha 😂 it's not for everyone!

[@philipbechtle2828]

Fantastic! Congratulations and thank you!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks you! We're just glad we escaped 😆

[@billm6774]

Thank you for a wonderful share! ✌😎👍

[@mike_oe]

Thank you, I enjoyed the ride tremendously!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thanks Mike!

[@helenvojtko9673]

What a cool adventure. Thank you for taking me along. PS your boy is absolutely adorable 🥰

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thanks Helen! Glad you enjoyed.

[@tofu2383]

I loved the narration, great video, thanks

[@GnarlyGoodTime]

What an epic journey and video, we are so stoked for you guys! Kara, the editing was great and I love the perspective in which the story was told. Dean, great job narrating, you are a natural storyteller and one of the coolest kids in the entire world. John, great job on all the hardcore boatwork, the planning, and navigating required to pull off this mission. It does seem from the video that Kara steps in to handle most of the tough work and I think you were more into Quadamaran than Dean! I got a Tom Hanks and Wilson kind of relationship from Castaway vibe there. The desire and passion required to dream, plan, and to execute this adventure is extremely motivating for me and our whole family. We love you guys and are always here to support you in every way!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed, thanks for all your support!!

[@fraserconnell21]

What a charming film. A sturdy boat well prepared for high latitude sailing. The narration was charming too😊 👏🫡👍🏼👍🏼

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

thank you Fraser!

[@fraserconnell21]

Upon reflection I've come to realise that everybody needs a little bit of a quadermarange in their days.....❤🫡🦧🙃. And now amazon is calling.. I'm buying the book..😊

[@codename7133]

Beautiful video. I Love it!

[@Samtzu]

An amazing boy being raised by amazing parents. He is absorbing information that has mostly been lost to Western Civilization, and it will make him grow into a thoughtful, direct human being. Humanity NEEDS this: an adventure watched over by realistic AND protective paents. He and others like him will change the world into what it needs to be.... may That Which Is Divine watch over and guide him.... he is needed in this world.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you for your kind words and blessing. Wishing you fair winds.

[@danamarlin]

What a wonderful movie and fantastic narration Dean!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you Dana! Fair winds on your trip this summer.

[@quentin-andrew5585]

Thank you for sharing your voyage so far as a family I am really looking forward to seeing more

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you Quentin!

[@waytogo2791]

More! Please! Cheers from 🇨🇭

[@papajeff5486]

More please, from east Tennessee.

[@cb750k1974]

What a great education this young lad is getting.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you!

[@ericvuille1956]

Great...show your boat and organisation for this expedition 👋👋😍⛵️🇨🇭

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you Eric. There is a lot more preparations discussed in the book mentioned at the end of the video. Cheers!

[@Seafariireland]

Excellent story and a super narrator!

[@SailingThindra]

Wow this was such a joy to watch! Wonderful footage and editing, and amazing storytelling by Dean the legend! We miss being up there with you and will watch this many times :D

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you for being there with us! Honored to sail with you legends-in-the-making on Thindra.

[@TOTL8453]

Absolutely magical.

[@captjbrennan]

Outstanding! ⛵

[@Mordalo]

I hope your kiddo remember how wonderful his parents are.

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you! He went to school in Alaska for a few months and now has a new appreciation of the saying life 😆

[@rumverwalter]

@@JohnPennington-xx8qx I' am an elementary school teacher and I' am sure there is no place on earth you learn as much as on a journey like this.👍

[@albertfunk1176]

Thanks for the great post

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks!

[@MsJLJvideos]

Well done!

[@windworldwide8840]

Thank you for sharing your amazing family trip ! ... still dreaming of it ! ... can't wait for the next épisode !

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Our pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@mickemusik]

Great video - thank you

[@peterredman235]

Well done to you all ! Brilliant telling of the journey by the Boat Builder!!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you Peter!

[@pak625]

This is just an amazing story and beautiful video Dean is the most charming narrator, what a great perspective. Can't wait to read the book!

[@JohnPennington-xx8qx]

Thank you so much!

[@sydshuler1941]

Wow! Show us more please.

[@fortytwo8388]

Love the narration!

[@whitneylake2107]

Fantastic !

[@DiabloSpearguns]

Brilliant !

[@gregsage1605]

I love this. Your narrator has a promising career infront of him!

[@hughroney6342]

Awesome!