David I've enjoyed your posts for a long time and applaud your adventurous spirit for considering the northern route to Europe. Leonard Stern is correct, the route from the east coast through or near the Atlantic High to the Azores would be the more comfortable (and perhaps safer) route. By all reports the Azores are a destination worth spending cruising time. If you research the wind/sea patterns you'll note that you'll likely experience serious wind & seas as well as ice between Newfoundland and Greenland. Interestingly, global warming has reportedly made the ice situation worse. However, if you feel comfortable in your abilities and your trawler, there are many rewards in the high latitudes you'll never experience in the "normal" routes. We sailed (36' sloop) to Scotland in 00 from Maine and in 03 sailed up to the Faeroes, Iceland (and in sight of Greenland when I had a partial mast failure) before returning to Scotland. I can't find enough adjectives to describe the wonderful experiences we had in northwestern Scotland, the Faeroes and Iceland. The people, the scenery, the bird and sea life, just can't be experienced where most of us live. One of my crew who sailed across the Atlantic and also up to Iceland with me, along with two other local friends, has since crewed on a larger sailboat twice to Greenland, the second trip completing the NW Passage. All three of these men have a single ambition to revisit Greenland. Frankly if I were you I'd consider going up the east coast of the US & Nova Scotia, through the Straits of Belle Isle to St Anthony, Newfoundland, across the Davis Strait to Greenland and back. Sorry, this is my dream cruise, not yours :>). Larry Zeitlin (LRZeitlin@aol.com) has posted a trip plan for a circumnavigation with his Willard 30 over the northern route. Perhaps if he reads this he'll share it with you. Best, Robby Robinson Troller "Dolores E." SF Bay Area