After a relatively smooth start to his 8,500-mile, 5-month voyage through the Arctic, filmmaker Sprague Theobald and his team were hit hard by an ice floe that trapped their boat in ice for days. The ship was locked in ice and driven by strong currents towards a rocky coast where they thought they would have to abandon their ship and their mission.

Bravery, experienced nautical maneuvering, and a dash of good luck freed them from the ice and landed them safely on the other side of Canada’s Northwest Passage. The crew — comprised of filmmakers, sailors, and divers, then navigated the unforgiving Bering Sea and is resting safely in Alaska. He’ll speak about his incredible journey tonight at the Nordhavn Southwest Rendezvous, where attendees will also get to preview some of the raw footage he shot.

Theobald, an Emmy-Award® winner, set out from Newport, Rhode Island in June to brave the Arctic for his second time in two years. This time he returned with 250-hours of stunning high-definition video footage — including underwater shots, surreal landscapes, active glaciers, wildlife, and historical landmarks including grave sites from the doomed Franklin Expedition of 1845.

“It was worth the risk, but I would not do it again.” Theobald stated in an interview with Yachting Magazine. “We have yet to talk publicly about the more terrifying moments of the trip.” MotorBoating Magazine also captured the expedition in a 4-part series.

Theobald interviewed Inuit elders, other sailors attempting the Passage, politicians, and conservationists from the region regarding changes and issues in the Arctic. “The documentary will show the beauty and power of the Arctic and what the world risks losing if its not properly cared for.” Theobald added. Among the crew were his son and two step-children.

Theobald will produce his 5th full-length documentary from the experience. Major TV networks have expressed interest in the story and footage he captured — both for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and its “human element.” Crew members recorded regular video diaries throughout the trip and their boat was wired with video cameras running 24/7– capturing the day-to-day challenges, frustrations, fears and triumphs amidst the epic and desolate Arctic scenery.

Throughout the journey, Theobald published stories and footage to his Blog at www.NorthwestPassageFilm.com/arctic. his photos and stories overlay a navigable GoogleMap displaying his entire route tracked via GPS.