Ella Hibbert Sets Sail on Historic Solo Arctic Circumnavigation

28-year-old British sailor Ella Hibbert © Adrian Le Roux

British sailor embarks on a record-breaking voyage to spotlight a vanishing Arctic and spark global climate action

In May 2025, British expedition sailor and Yachtmaster Instructor Ella Hibbert will set out on a daring expedition to become the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the Arctic—an achievement made possible only by the alarming pace of sea ice decline. Her mission: to shine a spotlight on the climate crisis and inspire action through storytelling, science, and education.

Hibbert, 28, has spent the past three years preparing for the journey aboard her 1978 steel ketch, Yeva. She's navigated thousands of sea miles in extreme conditions, outfitted Yeva for Arctic exploration, and assembled a global support team that includes her parents and close collaborators. The expedition will be documented by Ocean Films, capturing both her personal challenges and the fragile beauty of the rapidly changing polar environment.

Nicola Shepherd, International Marketing Manager at Mustang Survival is thrilled to support Hibbert's journey: "Ella is an incredibly courageous and skilled sailor. Ever since I first met her, I've been inspired by her mission to sail around the Arctic Circle—such an epic adventure. At Mustang Survival, we create gear built to withstand the harshest conditions, so it just made sense to team up with her. We've kitted her out with our best sailing gear, life jacket, ice suit, and immersion suit, to help her take on whatever the Arctic throws her way. We can't wait to see where her journey takes her."

To survive the unforgiving Arctic conditions, Hibbert will be relying on a full kit of technical gear from Mustang Survival, including offshore sailing kits (EP 6.5 Ocean Racing Jacket & Salopettes and Meris Sailing Jacket & Salopettes), layers for warmth (Torrens Jacket and Kazan liner), flotation clothing (ThermoSystem Plus Flotation Coat and Waterproof & Breathable Flotation Bib Pants) and rescue suits (Ice Commander Suit & Neoprene Immersion Suit). Topping all gear off with the innovative and award-winning Atlas 190 DLX Life Jacket.

"With the risks of sleep deprivation and navigating through drifting sea ice, I need gear that offers absolute reliability and safety. Mustang Survival's kit gives me the confidence to push forward," says Hibbert.

Her voyage isn't just about endurance and navigation—it's about impact. Hibbert is raising awareness and funds for Polar Bears International and Ocean Conservancy, and will collaborate with The International SeaKeepers Society on seabed mapping and educational programming for youth through the Seabed 2030 initiative.

Adding further momentum to her advocacy, Hibbert will also be featured at the United Nations Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of France and Costa Rica, from June 9-13, 2025, in Nice, France. The high-level event—held in conjunction with World Oceans Day (June 8)—focuses on "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean." Hibbert will contribute a pre-recorded message, reinforcing her commitment to global ocean conservation.

"This journey isn't about breaking a record," says Hibbert. "It's bittersweet that it's even possible. But if it helps people see what's happening to the Arctic and inspires them to act, it will have been worth it."

Follow Ella's journey via her website at ellainthearctic.co.uk or on social media @ellainthearctic, as she sails into the heart of one of the world's last wild frontiers.

Ella in the Arctic:

• Vessel: Yeva - 38' Bruce Roberts offshore steel ketch
• Departure: Haslar Marina, Mid-May 2025
• Distance & Duration: ~10,000 nautical miles over 5-6 months
• Expected Return: October 2025, Haslar Marina

Ella's journey begins between Norway and Iceland at 66.5 degreesN, marking the edge of the Arctic Ocean. From there, she will sail to northern Iceland, then across to southern and western Greenland. The route continues through the infamous Northwest Passage, over the top of Alaska and into northern Russia, crossing the East Siberian, Kara, and Laptev Seas. She'll complete the Northeastern Passage, sail along northern Norway, and return to her starting point.

To reduce her environmental impact, Yeva is outfitted with solar panels, wind and water generators, a water maker, and a hydrovane self-steering system. Though diesel is onboard, Ella plans to use the engine only when absolutely necessary.