This stage starts with difficult navigation, then a short canoe section followed by a long traverse of the Island and it’s glaciers, placing you at the eastern part of the Island where you’ll again have a short canoe section, and then again glacier that finally takes you to “Nordfjord” close to Polhems Fjeld and the final checkpoint D10 (same place as A1 was) from where you’ll paddle back to Tasiilaq to complete the race. This part is very long, technical and probably the most demanding in the history of the ATC. Take your time, be safe !

D1 N65.43.09 W037.54.49 (alt. 247 m.elev.) Near pkt 321/Kuuttuaq
D2 N65.46.1 W037.51.7 Lafitte
D3 Cape at N coast of Qaattu
D4  Cape at N coast of the small fjord.
D5 Cape at N part of Imila
D6  N65.47.97 W037.36.30 Rock crest at Tinit Glacier (this name does not show on map)
D7  N65.42.96  W037.28.12 Shore just east of river at Sammileq
D8  N65.42.12 W037.20.76 Small cape in small fjord SW of Qernertivartivit
D9  N65.41.14 W037.29.65 (alt. 596 m elev) “Mail route col”
D10 N65.38.74 W037.33.95 cape E shore of Nord fjord

The stage starts with one team at a time with 10 minutes interval: Rank 2 starts first at 1100 , Rank 3 at 11:10, rank 5 at 1120, rank 7 at 1130, rank 8 at 1140, rank 6 at 1150, rank 4 at 1200, rank 1 at 1210.

On the race map for the expedition stage two areas are marked: one just S of D6 and one covering the river W of D7. These areas are not to be travelled, as they are potentially very dangerous – the glacier S of D6 is very steep and heavily crevassed and the river W of D7 is too big to be crossed safely.

At the start of the canoe stages you’ll have to inflate your canoes and deflate and pack the canoes at the end of the canoe stage. All canoe gear has to be packed down as well, NO loose items – as they will eventually get lost. Glacier gear etc will be carried by your safety boat during the canoestages.

Notes on safety:
This is a long stage involving all the elements from the previous days. Nothing really critical appears during this part, but the extent of the stage is a factor in it self. Be careful to drink and eat sufficiently, keep your head on top of your shoulders and not under your arm: Always evaluate a route in safety terms as well as speed. Always keep in control - even if it will slow you down a bit. If weather turns bad - rain, wind, and snow maybe? - Be careful not to get hypothermic. River crossings should also be done with extreme care, as the river water is VERY cold. If in doubt: Rope up when crossing the rivers.