On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Scott Brady and Brian McVickers interview Graham Esarey about his expedition sailing life, focusing on his team’s 2024 Northwest Passage crossing aboard the Dog Bark, a converted 60-foot Open 60. Graham detailed navigating heavy Arctic ice, spotting polar bears, and receiving a rare icebreaker escort that turned their route into a high-speed slalom. They also discussed the hazards of Bellot Strait’s powerful currents and the risks of boats being pinned by ice. The conversation drew parallels between overlanding and blue-water travel, highlighting the need for redundancy, while noting how Starlink and modern ice charts are reshaping Arctic passage-making. Graham also touched on his Land Cruiser, expo travel, and IGINIK’s mission to replace disposable green propane bottles.
Overland Journal Podcast Episode #296
The Overland Journal Podcast is brought to you this week by Overland Journal Magazine
Bio:
Graeme Esarey founded Ignik after attempting to transit the Northwest Passage with his family. In 2018, the outdoor executive quit his job to sail from Seattle toward Greenland on the boat Dogbark with his wife and daughters. Alongside a rotating multigenerational crew, they conducted NOAA research on sea temperatures and visited remote Arctic settlements. They encountered whales, muskoxen, and vast sea ice while witnessing the direct impacts of climate change. Although storm-driven ice eventually forced the expedition to turn back, the experience profoundly changed Graeme. His encounter with the Arctic’s wildness and the environmental challenges facing its wildlife and people inspired him to create sustainable outdoor solutions through Ignik, forever influenced by the Arctic’s fragile beauty.
Host Bios:
Scott Brady
Scott is the executive publisher and co-founder of Expedition Portal and Overland Journal and is often credited with popularizing overlanding in North America. His travels by 4WD and adventure motorcycle span all seven continents and include three circumnavigations of the globe. His polar expeditions include two vehicle crossings of Antarctica and the first long-axis crossing of Greenland. @scott.a.brady
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.