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Mainer is Part of Team Sailing into Arctic Ocean

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A Maine businessman who's sailed from Maine to the Caribbean is embarking on a new adventure: Sailing to the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean.

 Christopher Betjemann of Biddeford is part of a group that's sailing to within 500 miles of the North Pole, where the crew will be on constant watch for icebergs, debris and polar bears. He says he's grateful for around-the-clock sunlight that'll aid in spotting hazards.

 The Portland Press Herald reports that the expedition is sailing under the leadership of the Global Offshore Sailing Team with sailors from the U.S. and several European countries.

 Part of the goal of the current expedition is to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Artic naval battles during the time of military supply convoys in World War II.