Wimps......not a match for Matt Rutherford.
Just kidding, it does take skill, luck and balls to sail those waters. It is getting easier now and we will see this much more in the future with the NW Passage probably open every summer where in the past it was maybe once every 10 years. Rescue is close at hand if needed with modern day communications. It will be a sailing version of what climbing Everest has become. In 1986-9 two guys did it over the course of three summers in a Hobie Cat 18 if I remember correctly. The first passage under sail alone.
Matt sailed an Albin Vega. A Swedish built 27 footer designed in the 1960's and well regarded in the sailing community as a tough seaworthy boat. The design has an impressive track record of circumnavigations and other extreme sailing adventures for such a small boat.
http://www.cruisingworld.com/people/passage-notes/fortitudine-vincimus-0http://theconversation.edu.au/opening-the-fabled-northwest-passage-triumph-or-tragedy-9660
