EXPEDITION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2020, NAFF-BOOKAWARDS.

The World's First Circumnavigation of the Island of New Guinea in a Traditional Sailing Canoe.

A Danish filmmaker, under the apprenticeship of three Papua New Guinean master sailors, set off from Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, on the 30th of August 2016 on a world-record circumnavigation of the island of New Guinea in a traditional sailing canoe called the Tawali Pasana. Over the course of 13 months and 21 days - and some 6300 km of high adventure - what became known as ‘the fellowship of the Tawali Pasana' created a modern-day odyssey (on a shoestring budget) battling relentless monsoon winds, dangerous seas, pirates and crocodiles. Prevailing against all the odds, the voyage generated enormous media coverage and inspired the young people of New Guinea to celebrate their extraordinary seafaring culture.

"Sailing a traditional outrigger canoe around the vast island of New Guinea is a journey through time, across myriad cultures upon the far-flung seas of Arafura, Seram, Bismarck, and the Pacific Ocean. Thor's voyage shows that, in the 21st Century, there are still great adventures!"

Peter Hillary

"The very first circumnavigation of New Guinea in a traditional sailing canoe again illustrates, as my father auspiciously once said, "To travel, to experience and learn ... that is to live."

Norbu Tenzing Norgay

"Thor's adventure is an encouragement to anyone who - dares to do."

Sarah Outen