An Irish yachtsman hopes it will be third time lucky when he tries again next month to become the first person to sail a small boat through ice-strewn Arctic waters to the Russian archipelago of Franz Josef Land.
Mr John Gore-Grimes (58) and his crew left Howth at the weekend, gambling on summer breaks in the ice allowing them access to the inhospitable territory.
They will risk ice floes crushing the hull of their 44ft yacht Arctic Fern, and then there are the thousands of polar bears.
"To get there will be a first. The ice map indicates we wouldn't make it at the moment, but we hope there will be a unique opportunity when we reach the area in mid-August," said Mr Gore-Grimes.
He has previously sailed in icy seas to some of the world's chilliest locations, including Siberia, Alaska, Greenland, Iceland and the Antarctic Peninsula.
A solicitor, he has been awarded the Royal Cruising Club's Challenge Cup and the Cruising Club of America's Bluewater Medal.
Getting to one of Franz Josef Land archipelago's 190 islands has become an obsession. "Having failed twice, I really do want to get there," he said.
Two years ago he turned back about 110 miles south after the yacht was trapped in ice for six days. A 1989 attempt failed 150 miles short when the way was blocked by ice.
On both occasions polar bears were a threat. Two years ago the crew had no guns and were surrounded by seven polar bears when stuck fast in the ice.
"Initially, we managed to frighten them off with flares. When the bears got used to them, we left them caches of food. They are lethal hunters. They cover their black noses with snow and are virtually invisible crawling along in the mist." This time they have brought guns.
On the expedition with him are Mr Nicholas Healy (56), Mr Robert Pendleton (35), Mr Reggie Reville (62) and Mr Peter Culliton (36).
The sixth crewman, Mr Kieran Jameson (43), has just got married. When he returns from honeymoon, he will join them at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands.
The Swedish-built boat is specially reinforced, but even a steel hull is no match for big ice floes. "If two decide to crash together and you are unlucky enough to be caught in the middle, then you are going to be crushed, and very quickly."
If they get into difficulties, arranging a rescue will be a problem. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, about 100 observation stations there are no longer manned.