Route: tromso, svalbard, tromso
Type: EXPEDITION SAILING
Miles: +800nm
Temperature Range: 3°c – 11°c
Expedition Dates:
14 AUGUST – 04 SEPTEMBER 2027
MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
RYA DAY SKIPPER // CLIPPER LEVEL 1 TRAINING OR EQUIVALENT
TALK TO AN EXPERT
ARE YOU CLIPPER RACE ALUMNI?
IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED ONE OR MORE LEGS OF THE CLIPPER ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE, you can get get a 5% discount on your total booking value.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Sailing this offshore passage between Portsmouth and Norway is a unique opportunity for you to build miles, gain valuable offshore sailing experience and refine your existing skills under the guidance of a professional Skipper, first mate and second mate. Whilst crossing the North Atlantic, you can expect a variety of sailing conditions where you and your crew mates will be immersed in daily life on board an ocean-going yacht. Below are some key highlights:
ENJOY A VARIETY OF SAILING CONDITIONS
WITNESS TOWERING ICEBERGS & EXPANSIVE FJORDS
LOOK OUT FOR WHALES, DOLPHINS, SEABIRDS AND MORE
Cross the Arctic Circle and become a ‘Blue Nose’
DISCOVER THE RUGGED BEAUTY OF EASTERN GREENLAND
EXPERIENCE THE REMOTENESS OF GREENLAND SETTLEMENTS
“I couldn’t have asked for a more interesting way to experience the Arctic. A great group of people from all walks of life embodying the required team spirit, stunning wildlife highlighted by our bird’s eye view of a polar bear, a musk ox home cooked dinner with a delightful Innuit family and, most importantly, a thoroughly professional and fun sailing team.
Congratulations SKIRR on putting together this opportunity to live the dream.”
“Our Greenland route, was a total blast! A throughly professional operation, good solid and well maintained boat, an experienced crew, and experiences that one cannot get elsewhere.
This was my first sail with SKIRR and it will not be my last. Their operations were first rate from providing me information about the sail beforehand so I was properly equipped for the cold weather, and having a sturdy boat available to sail in potentially hazardous seas.”
SAMPLE ITINERARY
The itinerary below provides an example of how your Into the High Arctic expedition could unfold. As with any Arctic sailing adventure, the route and timings are subject to weather, sea conditions and ice. The skipper may adapt the itinerary throughout the voyage to make the most of the conditions and ensure the safety of everyone on board.
ARRIVAL: TROMsø
Arrive at Tromsø marina between 17:00 and 18:00 to meet your Skipper and crew.
You’ll be welcomed aboard and have time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the boat before heading ashore for a crew dinner and getting to know your fellow Adventurers.
DAY 1
EXPEDITION DEPARTURE
This morning will involve a yacht familiarisation and extensive safety brief with your Skipper and expedition team in preparation for an early afternoon departure.
Depending on conditions, the afternoon sail will likely consist of a short passage allowing the crew to familiarise themselves with sail trimming, winch handling and helming as we begin our journey north towards Svalbard.
DAYS 2-5
NORTHBOUND
As we leave the Norwegian coast behind, we’ll settle into life at sea and establish our watch system. You’ll have the opportunity to get involved with all aspects of sailing the yacht, from helming and sail handling to navigation and keeping watch.
As we head further north across the Norwegian Sea, keep an eye out for seabirds and marine wildlife. After several days offshore, we’ll begin to approach the waters of Svalbard, with the dramatic mountains and glaciers of the archipelago emerging on the horizon.
DAYS 6-14
SVALBARD – INTO THE HIGH ARCTIC
With Svalbard in sight, we’ll begin exploring its remote coastline, dramatic fjords, glaciers and mountains.
The route will remain flexible, guided by weather, sea conditions and ice. If conditions allow, we’ll venture further into the High Arctic, keeping watch for Arctic wildlife including whales, seals, walruses and seabirds, with the possibility of spotting a polar bear.
Where conditions allow, there may also be opportunities to go ashore and experience this incredible landscape beyond the yacht.
DAYS 15-19
RETURN ACROSS THE NORWEGIAN SEA
Having explored as far north as conditions allow, we’ll begin our journey south, leaving Svalbard behind and setting a course towards mainland Norway.
We’ll return to the rhythm of offshore sailing, with the crew continuing to take an active role in helming, sail handling, navigation and watchkeeping. This is a great opportunity to put the skills you’ve developed throughout the expedition into practice as we make our way back across the Norwegian Sea.
DAY 20
FINISH: TROMSø
Arrive back into Tromsø, bringing your High Arctic expedition to an end.
After breakfast, you’ll help with a final clean of the boat before saying farewell to your Skipper, crew and fellow Adventurers. You’ll be free to depart the boat by 11:00, taking with you unforgettable memories of Svalbard and the High Arctic.
NOT A CRUISE
The itinerary we provide for our sailing expedition is a guideline that may vary depending on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and other contributing factors.
All SKIRR Adventures itineraries are examples and do not form any part of the contract.
the detail
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- All food and accommodation on board (except the evening of joining)
- Use of wet weather gear (jacket and trousers)
- Use of safety equipment including life jacket
- Personal injury & travel insurance for the duration of your leg
What’s not included
- Dinner on arrival night
- Travel to and from the boat for joining and departure
- Any meals ashore
- Visas
- Personal equipment (see packing list)
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Did you know that most of our guests are solo explorers? Sailing is a wonderful way to explore new destinations and make new friends. You’ll never feel lonely on board, as you’ll be part of a friendly and diverse crew.
PERSONAL FITNESS
AGE
To join a SKIRR adventures expedition, you must be at least 18 years old. Our trips are designed for people who love adventure, regardless of their age. We welcome guests from 18-70+. We don’t see age as a barrier, just a number. Come and explore the world with us!
GROUP SIZE
sailing experience
To join this expedition leg, you will need prior recent sailing experience.
This can be one of the following:
- Clipper Race Level 1 Training
- RYA Day Skipper
- Equivalent sailing experience
If you have sailing experience, but no prior qualifications, we will consider your application on a case by case basis. Please contact us with details of your sailing history.
If you have no prior sailing experience, don’t worry… you can still book onto the Clipper Race Level 1 training (below) or work towards your RYA Day Skipper (a globally endorsed qualification).
OPTION 1
CLIPPER RACE: LEVEL 1
Join crew onboard a Clipper Race yacht for an intensive course that prepares aspiring sailors for the challenges of long ocean crossings. The training covers the basics of sailing, safety, teamwork and leadership.
You will be joined by crew looking to take on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, many of whom will have never sailed before, so it’s a fantastic place to begin your sailing journey.
FROM £700* | 7 DAYS
*when purchased with a leg of SKIRR adventures
OPTION 2
RYA DAY SKIPPER
You can obtain your RYA Day Skipper qualification through our preferred training provider, Hamble School of Yachting.
For those with no prior sailing experience, we would recommend that you do your RYA Competent Crew prior to your RYA Day Skipper qualification, where you will be taught the fundamentals of crewing, as well as how to ‘live’ onboard a cruising yacht.
FROM £1,079 | 9 DAYS +
