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Thicker Than Ice: A Sailing Family Finds Their Place at the Edge
A true story of poor judgment and questionable parenting, but also of friendship and adventure.
A cubicle-dwelling nine-to-fiver hatches a secret plan to buy an old Dutch sailboat, fix her up, and return to the Pacific via the Northwest Passage. His wife hopes for a family. Somehow, both dreams are set in motion–simultaneously. Undeterred, they pack a single suitcase, their six pound newborn, and board a flight to the Netherlands.
The boat is a slowly-sinking national treasure, her engine a museum piece. If all goes according to plan, they’ll be ready to cross the Atlantic by autumn. But nothing ever does, not with a new baby on an intractable old boat like Sentijn.
Hard choices will have to be made if they want to see home waters again. But, it’s not until their darkest hour–deep in the Arctic–when they finally realize the truth.
They’ve been home all along.
A cubicle-dwelling nine-to-fiver hatches a secret plan to buy an old Dutch sailboat, fix her up, and return to the Pacific via the Northwest Passage. His wife hopes for a family. Somehow, both dreams are set in motion–simultaneously. Undeterred, they pack a single suitcase, their six pound newborn, and board a flight to the Netherlands.
The boat is a slowly-sinking national treasure, her engine a museum piece. If all goes according to plan, they’ll be ready to cross the Atlantic by autumn. But nothing ever does, not with a new baby on an intractable old boat like Sentijn.
Hard choices will have to be made if they want to see home waters again. But, it’s not until their darkest hour–deep in the Arctic–when they finally realize the truth.
They’ve been home all along.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 2, 2025
In the wake of his enthralling first book, (that I rated five stars) “Orca,” that John Pennington recounts with humor his and his girlfriend’s introduction to sailing and eventual circumnavigation, his second book, the perfectly titled “Thicker Than Ice,” is simply a heart-pounding page turner.
John, his wife Kara, and their very young son, Dean, not only attempt, but successfully accomplish, sailing the infamous Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the bitter Arctic north, amidst unfathomable weather and climate conditions onboard their sailing vessel Sentijn. Not only is this family gutsy and extraordinary, but John has a talent for recounting the experience on paper with emotional and literary dexterity and depth, well sprinkled with an overall dose of humor.
Myself, once upon a time a sailor, I can appreciate many of the hardships and hard-fought battles they overcame at sea and living such a spartan life, but this “adventure” is nothing like what I have done, nor will ever do. Not only is it inspiring, but one wonders how John can so deftly recall and write down the details of so many daily astounding and terrifying experiences with such emotional clarity that mesmerizes the reader.
With the caveat that there is a lot of sailing jargon in the book, (even some I am not familiar with), I don’t think those detailed paragraphs necessarily distract the reader from understanding the urgency and fear often elicited in many of the situations.
If you want to be taken away to a land and story so and unique rarely experienced, “Thicker Than Ice” will take you along with Sentijn, and you’ll leave applauding this intrepid family and their fabulously written account.
John, his wife Kara, and their very young son, Dean, not only attempt, but successfully accomplish, sailing the infamous Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the bitter Arctic north, amidst unfathomable weather and climate conditions onboard their sailing vessel Sentijn. Not only is this family gutsy and extraordinary, but John has a talent for recounting the experience on paper with emotional and literary dexterity and depth, well sprinkled with an overall dose of humor.
Myself, once upon a time a sailor, I can appreciate many of the hardships and hard-fought battles they overcame at sea and living such a spartan life, but this “adventure” is nothing like what I have done, nor will ever do. Not only is it inspiring, but one wonders how John can so deftly recall and write down the details of so many daily astounding and terrifying experiences with such emotional clarity that mesmerizes the reader.
With the caveat that there is a lot of sailing jargon in the book, (even some I am not familiar with), I don’t think those detailed paragraphs necessarily distract the reader from understanding the urgency and fear often elicited in many of the situations.
If you want to be taken away to a land and story so and unique rarely experienced, “Thicker Than Ice” will take you along with Sentijn, and you’ll leave applauding this intrepid family and their fabulously written account.
December 29, 2025
A very good read
I have to say I started this book entirely infuriated me. I thought the author with his total disregard for his baby, willfully endangering him sounded a complete pr**k. However, the tale drew me in, with the restoration of Sentijn and the growing of Dean, their initially tiny, frail son. Several things in the early part of the book grated on me with their inaccuracies but as it went on became more and more fascinating. The challenge of the
North West Passage of course was terrifying. At the end I was so wrong about their child rearing. Dean was obviously a bright, self reliant child. Well done them.
I have to say I started this book entirely infuriated me. I thought the author with his total disregard for his baby, willfully endangering him sounded a complete pr**k. However, the tale drew me in, with the restoration of Sentijn and the growing of Dean, their initially tiny, frail son. Several things in the early part of the book grated on me with their inaccuracies but as it went on became more and more fascinating. The challenge of the
North West Passage of course was terrifying. At the end I was so wrong about their child rearing. Dean was obviously a bright, self reliant child. Well done them.
June 3, 2025
I just loved this book and simply did not want it to end. This is an incredible story of a family braving the harshest of elements, with skill and determination combined with fear and frustration. An amazing education for their growing child, initially socially isolated but forming a strong bond with crews of other boats by chance encounters. I felt as though I were sailing myself in the Arctic as I read and learned about the hostile almost impassable north west passage. Beautifully written and compulsive reading.
February 9, 2026
What was he thinking
A family goes to Europe to pick up a boat they have only seen in pictures and had bought. They sail for six years from Europe to the Caribbean after gutting the ship and refurbishing it. Did I mention they did this with a newborn baby! From there they then sail to Greenland through the Northwest Passage to Alaska. What could go wrong? Plenty. Lots of sailing terms as you would expect, but my Kindle came to the rescue. The book is interesting,timely amusing, and make you amazed that his wife was so understanding.
A family goes to Europe to pick up a boat they have only seen in pictures and had bought. They sail for six years from Europe to the Caribbean after gutting the ship and refurbishing it. Did I mention they did this with a newborn baby! From there they then sail to Greenland through the Northwest Passage to Alaska. What could go wrong? Plenty. Lots of sailing terms as you would expect, but my Kindle came to the rescue. The book is interesting,timely amusing, and make you amazed that his wife was so understanding.
July 2, 2025
Great frozen adventure
What a great book. I read a number of sailing adventure books and think "that may be fun". Not this one if you want to read a book that will make you cold as you sit on the beach at 100 degrees. This it it. I loved the authors ability to describe the events with humor, realism, and horror. The book should appeal to sailors and non-sailers. You name the weather Sentijn was there.
What a great book. I read a number of sailing adventure books and think "that may be fun". Not this one if you want to read a book that will make you cold as you sit on the beach at 100 degrees. This it it. I loved the authors ability to describe the events with humor, realism, and horror. The book should appeal to sailors and non-sailers. You name the weather Sentijn was there.
May 17, 2025
A True Adventure
Now I need to read Orca. I traveled with them from the comfort of my RV as they traveled by Sail board through the Northwest Passage! There’s an immense amount of technical jargon but it’s the human side of the story, that I enjoyed most! An incredible Family bonded in unique ways that most people would never understand!
Now I need to read Orca. I traveled with them from the comfort of my RV as they traveled by Sail board through the Northwest Passage! There’s an immense amount of technical jargon but it’s the human side of the story, that I enjoyed most! An incredible Family bonded in unique ways that most people would never understand!
May 18, 2025
Sailors MUST read
I loved this book! Was almost exhausted before I finished this amazing and thrilling book. Pennington invites you on his family trip and you will feel like you were there throughout the entire ride of a lifetime. Any beach, water or ocean lover, this is a must read.
I loved this book! Was almost exhausted before I finished this amazing and thrilling book. Pennington invites you on his family trip and you will feel like you were there throughout the entire ride of a lifetime. Any beach, water or ocean lover, this is a must read.
July 20, 2024
Loved the book!
L great book could not put it down! Will !ove to read all of your sailing books. I wish I could bring up Dean's pictures but I'm an 85 year old computer illiterate called' US Army retired sailor! Thanks
L great book could not put it down! Will !ove to read all of your sailing books. I wish I could bring up Dean's pictures but I'm an 85 year old computer illiterate called' US Army retired sailor! Thanks
October 11, 2024
Could not put it down
But i made myself because I wanted this great book to last. Incredibly entertaining and fast moving. Such a great storyteller and what an amazing adventure!!!
But i made myself because I wanted this great book to last. Incredibly entertaining and fast moving. Such a great storyteller and what an amazing adventure!!!
March 22, 2025
Another great read
This second book is as good as the first and triggers many emotions. I have enjoyed them both immensely. My wife and I start our 4 year sailing adventure next spring and your story has already given us resolve to get going asap
This second book is as good as the first and triggers many emotions. I have enjoyed them both immensely. My wife and I start our 4 year sailing adventure next spring and your story has already given us resolve to get going asap
March 22, 2025
An engaging tale...
A epic voyage that at times is funny and scary but always entertaing. Almost a textbook on how to prepare for the unknown and be ready for anything that can happen while sailing.
A epic voyage that at times is funny and scary but always entertaing. Almost a textbook on how to prepare for the unknown and be ready for anything that can happen while sailing.
September 9, 2025
If you find sailing interesting you will enjoy this book. However, it is also a tale of family life aboard a boat with an infant. I don’t want to give anything away but I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend.
September 17, 2025
I really enjoy Johns writings; humorous, readable. Go along for an adventure sailing though the Arctic with the family, now including a young son.
I stopped reading this part way thru to save it for my travel vacation to France - I found I read his books without wanting to stop.
I stopped reading this part way thru to save it for my travel vacation to France - I found I read his books without wanting to stop.
November 11, 2025
Great story, unbelievable adventure. Nick if you like sailing couples you have got to read this. There is a short YouTube video as a companion if you haven’t seen it, check it out. Sentijn sailing. Enjoy.
March 8, 2026
fantastic read
I really enjoyed this book. The author is very witty and the story is very well put together. I hope to find more books from this author and the stories of their family.
I really enjoyed this book. The author is very witty and the story is very well put together. I hope to find more books from this author and the stories of their family.
April 3, 2026
great read
What a great story and very well written. I had a hard time putting this down. This book was a great reminder that there are some incredibly adventurous families out there living their dreams.
What a great story and very well written. I had a hard time putting this down. This book was a great reminder that there are some incredibly adventurous families out there living their dreams.
May 27, 2024
A fantastic read
John's storytelling is great in this tale- from buying Sentijn to navigating ice and gales in the Arctic. I loved every chapter.
John's storytelling is great in this tale- from buying Sentijn to navigating ice and gales in the Arctic. I loved every chapter.
October 12, 2024
I am a big fan of sailing stories and have read hundreds in my life. John's careful storytelling gives nothing away before its moment. I really enjoyed having the three points of view and his self deprecating way of keeping the story at a human level.
Even people who aren't cruisers will enjoy this read. I hope to meet little Dean one day and let some of his inate wisdom rub off on me! Sail on Quaddy!
Even people who aren't cruisers will enjoy this read. I hope to meet little Dean one day and let some of his inate wisdom rub off on me! Sail on Quaddy!
March 31, 2025
northwest passage with young crew
Wonderful tale of a east- west crossing of the northwest passage and how it came to be. Brave and true to their goals.
Wonderful tale of a east- west crossing of the northwest passage and how it came to be. Brave and true to their goals.
April 2, 2025
Great Book!
The writing is easy and free flowing, also like being one of the crew. I recommend this book highly to everyone !
The writing is easy and free flowing, also like being one of the crew. I recommend this book highly to everyone !
Read
June 12, 2025Good sailing book
Great book for us land rubbers who only dream of sailing around the world and are too cowardly or too old.
Great book for us land rubbers who only dream of sailing around the world and are too cowardly or too old.
August 2, 2025
Not just a sailing book.
Great book if you like and appreciate a true adventure.
As a sailor I have to respect and admire what this family did.
Great book if you like and appreciate a true adventure.
As a sailor I have to respect and admire what this family did.
October 5, 2025
Hilariously written adventure
Amazing read. An adventure of epic proportion exceedingly well written. A true test of family and friends on the high seas
Amazing read. An adventure of epic proportion exceedingly well written. A true test of family and friends on the high seas
October 13, 2025
Great book
A heart warming family adventure. I could not stop reading. The sailing Adventure that I wish I could take, but I am too old, but not too old to enjoy this great read.
A heart warming family adventure. I could not stop reading. The sailing Adventure that I wish I could take, but I am too old, but not too old to enjoy this great read.
December 20, 2025
Great Sailing Adventure
Fast paced, multi faced story with danger, excitement and joy of conquering an amazing sailing feat. Hard to put down
Fast paced, multi faced story with danger, excitement and joy of conquering an amazing sailing feat. Hard to put down
December 22, 2025
Absolute legends
December 27, 2025
Loved it!
John is a great storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. I would’ve loved this book even if I wasn’t a sailor myself. Well done!
John is a great storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor. I would’ve loved this book even if I wasn’t a sailor myself. Well done!
January 22, 2026
enjoyable read
I liked this read. It was real and about people doing what was right for them. It was also about adventure.
I liked this read. It was real and about people doing what was right for them. It was also about adventure.
February 3, 2026
Spellbinding
This is a captivating story of sailors, of which I am one, and their lives. Sometimes humorous, sometimes deadly and sometimes what a Bluewater sailor is all about.
This is a captivating story of sailors, of which I am one, and their lives. Sometimes humorous, sometimes deadly and sometimes what a Bluewater sailor is all about.
March 28, 2026
Amazing
Excellent adventure we
written and great character s a fascinating story and very informative. Recommend to all sailing fans and dreamers
Excellent adventure we
written and great character s a fascinating story and very informative. Recommend to all sailing fans and dreamers
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews