into the north

GOSPORT – SHETLAND – BERGEN NORWAY

A unique opportunity to build your miles and gain offshore sailing experience as we travel from our home port in Gosport to Shetland then Norway. 

Set sail on an unforgettable offshore adventure from Gosport, England, heading north through the North Sea towards the rugged Shetland Islands before continuing onwards to Bergen, Norway. From the Solent to Scandinavia, this is a true offshore passage combining open-water sailing, changing conditions and the excitement of heading into northern waters.

Over 10 days, you’ll cover a challenging and varied route, building valuable offshore experience as you sail towards Shetland before crossing the North Sea to Norway. Expect long stretches of open ocean, dramatic coastal scenery and the opportunity to experience some of the UK and Norway’s most remote and spectacular waters.

Along the way, keep watch for marine wildlife including seabirds, dolphins and potentially whales, while experiencing the changing landscapes and conditions as we head further north. Life offshore brings its own rhythm – watches, navigation, sail handling and working together as a crew, with plenty of time to take in the scale and beauty of the surrounding ocean.

This passage is ideal for sailors looking to build offshore miles, develop their navigation and watchkeeping skills, and take on a longer ocean passage. As crew, you’ll be involved in all aspects of life on board – taking the helm, trimming sails, standing watches and supporting the day-to-day running of the yacht – guided throughout by an experienced skipper, first mate and second mate.

Reaching Bergen marks the start of the wider expedition, with Norway’s historic harbour and dramatic surrounding coastline providing an exciting arrival point. After sailing from Gosport, you’ll step ashore having gained valuable offshore experience and completed the first leg of an unforgettable journey north. 

Open to those with prior sailing experience, this passage provides you with the opportunity to learn new skills, build upon existing ones, and gain confidence and competence for future offshore sailing experiences.

into the north

Join Boat:                    07 June 2027
Depart Gosport:        08 June 2027
Arrive Reykjavik:      19 June 2027* – following this passage, extend your adventure by adding on the Kingdom of the Fjords sailing expedition. 

*Departure/Arrival dates may be subject to conditions.

ADD A SAILING EXPEDITION kingdom of the fjords
Extend your adventure into the Arctic by joining us for Kingdom of the Fjords. Explore the spectacular fjords, islands and remote coastlines of Norway as you sail further north into the Arctic.

Click here to find out more – Kingdom of the Fjords – you can add this at the time of booking or contact us for additional information.

Route: Gosport TO BERGEN NORWAY

Type: offshore delivery passage

Miles: +950nm

Temperature Range: 12°c – 18°c

Dates: 07-20 June 2027

MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

RYA DAY SKIPPER // CLIPPER LEVEL 1 OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE

£1,995 + VAT
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+44 (0) 2392 215 215

ARE YOU CLIPPER RACE ALUMNI? 

IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED ONE OR MORE LEGS OF THE CLIPPER ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE, you can Get a 5% discount on your total booking value. 

kingdom of the fjord
arctic horizons

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 exsiting 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 onditions 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

  • UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD MILES AND REFINE SKILLS 

  • GUIDANCE FROM PROFESSIONAL SAILING STAFF 

  • SAIL INTO THE HIGH LATITUDES 

  • EXHILARATING 950NM OFFSHORE PASSAGE on 68ft yacht

  • EXPERIENCE ALL ASPECTS OF CREW LIFE – ABOVE & BELOW DECK

SAMPLE ITINERARY

The itinerary below provides an example of how your offshore delivery could unfold. As with any sailing adventure, the route and timings are subject to weather, sea conditions and our progress. The Skipper may adapt the itinerary throughout the voyage to make the most of the conditions and ensure the safety of everyone on board.

monday 07 JUNE

ARRIVAL: GOSPORT, ENGLAND

Welcome to Gosport, the gateway to the Solent! Check in at our marina office between 1700-1800 before stowing your luggage and running through a quick vessel overview with your Skipper. 

Get to know each other and discuss the passage plan over a welcome dinner before spending your first night on board. 

DAY 1

SAFETY BRIEF & PASSAGE DEPARTURE

This morning will involve a yacht familiarisation an extensive safety brief with your skipper and final preparations for an early afternoon departure.

The afternoon sail will consist of a short passage allowing crew to familiarise themselves with sail trimming, winch handling and helming as we start our voyage to Iceland.  

DAYS 2-3

HEADING NORTH

With Gosport behind us, we’ll continue north into the North Sea. These first offshore days will give you the chance to settle into the watch system and experience longer passages away from land.

Expect a mixture of sailing conditions as we work our way towards Shetland, with opportunities to build your miles and develop your confidence offshore.

DAY 4

ARRIVAL IN THE NORTH

Our aim is to reach the Shetland Islands, where the landscape changes dramatically to rugged cliffs, remote beaches and exposed headlands.

Depending on our progress and conditions, we may have the opportunity to spend some time ashore before preparing for the next offshore passage.

DAYS 6-10

SHETLAND TO NORWAY 

Leaving Shetland behind, we’ll set a course east across the North Sea towards Norway. This will be one of the key offshore sections of the voyage, with long stretches away from land and plenty of opportunity to put your skills into practice.

You’ll take part in watches, helming, sail trimming and navigation, working together as a crew as we make our way towards the Norwegian coast.

DAYS 6-10

APPROACHING BERGEN

As we reach Norway, the landscape begins to change. Keep watch for the dramatic coastline, islands and mountains that surround the approaches to Bergen.

Depending on conditions and our progress, we may have the opportunity to explore some of the Norwegian coastline before making the final passage towards Bergen.

DAY 11-12

ARRIVE Bergen, norway

Known as the gateway to Norway’s fjords, Bergen is a vibrant harbour city surrounded by mountains, colourful historic buildings and spectacular coastal scenery. Once ashore, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city and celebrate completing your journey north.

Before departing, you’ll assist with a deep clean of the boat before saying goodbye to your Skipper and fellow crew. You’ll be free to depart the boat by 11:00 on Saturday 19 June, taking with you the memories and offshore miles gained along the way.

EXPECT AN EXPEDITION
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 (a recommended packing list will be provided)

FAQS
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
You will be expected to participate in various tasks such as hoisting sails, steering, anchoring, and docking. You will also have the opportunity to explore different destinations on foot, which may involve a short hike. Therefore, we recommend that you have a moderate degree of fitness, mobility and health before joining our expeditions.

 

You can always improve your fitness in the months leading up to your departure by following a simple exercise routine and eating a balanced diet.
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
Our small group sailing expeditions operate a maximum guest size of 12 on board each boat. We send a maximum of two boats on each expedition, so there can be up to 24 guests across both boats at any one time.
 
You can book individually or with your friends and family, and enjoy the experience of sailing with a professional crew and a friendly group of fellow explorers.

sailing experience

To join this expedition leg, you will some prior recent sailing experience.

This can be ONE of the following:

  • Clipper Race Level 1 Training
  • RYA Day Skipper or above
  • 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 (see below) or work towards your RYA Day Skipper (a globally endorsed qualification).

ACHIEVED RYA DAY SKIPPER?

If you have already achieved RYA Day Skipper or equivalent you are eligible to take part in all passages and expedition routes.

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 +

ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE?

BOOK NOW FOR THE 2027 EXPEDITION.
THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE.

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