Is a unique sailing adventure on your 2025 bucket list? Designed for those who are curious for exploration, SKIRR Adventures is an on the water and over land expedition to the high latitudes. And bookings for the 2025 expedition are open now!
If minute-by-minute itineraries are a travel turn off, next year’s SKIRR Adventures expedition offers participants a route that’s led by the elements.
Setting sail from the UK, and bound for the Arctic Circle, crew on board the 2025 SKIRR Adventures expedition yachts can expect to explore pristine waters and imposing landscapes as they navigate past icebergs, marvel at majestic wildlife and maybe catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
Under the power of sail, crew will visit some of the most remote and untouched natural environments rarely visited on trips to this part of the world. Previous editions have explored off the beaten track regions in the Scottish Isles, Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
The full route – which takes around 12 weeks to complete in its entirety – is broken down into five legs, with each taking two to three weeks to complete. Explorers can sign up to individual or multiple legs, or for the ultimate getaway with a difference, there is the option to ‘Experience Everything.’
Recreational sailor Stephen Pomfret took part on the 2024 edition, sailing from Ísafjörður to Tasiilaq then onto Reykjavik. On his experience he said: “Greenland’s majestic coastline is absolutely stunning, and when you throw in lots of icebergs, wildlife (we must have seen up to 80 whales – twice seeing up to 30 at one time), the Northern Lights, clear starry nights, a full moon and to crown it all, an erupting volcano. The whole experience was an amazing. It was an unfolding story right up to our arrival back into Reykjavik. It was a privilege to be in such a pristine and pure part of the world.
“The team leading the way are unfailingly warm, caring and thoughtful. Their knowledge and skill meant that we were able to get close to and in amongst the ice while always prioritising our safety. Additionally, I appreciated the skipper’s willingness to provide excellent coaching and guidance, always in a supportive way.”
SKIRR crew traverse the route on board a Clipper 68 yacht that has been fully adapted for both challenging weather and low wind conditions, with the manoeuvrability to go where larger boats or cruise ships cannot. This is a hands-on experience, providing some of the purest sailing opportunities.
David Jackson and his daughter Jeannie did Leg 2 in 2024, using the trip as an opportunity to top up their sailing miles ahead of taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Talking of the sailing, David said: “What an incredible adventure! Jeannie and I embarked on our first big ocean crossing, sailing from Scotland to Iceland. We had some amazing sailing moments, both day and night, including exhilarating upwind surfing with strong winds. The atmosphere on board was fantastic, with both watches working hard to get the best out of the boat.”
SKIRR [sker] Vb. – Move in a particular direction especially in search or pursuit, to discover and seize the moment.
Says SKIRR Adventures Manager, Tom Myatt: “Our trip is the antithesis to a whistle-stop and regimented package tour. A SKIRR expedition is perfect for solo travellers or small groups who have the desire to experience group adventure but away from the masses. Expeditions sail to remote and rugged coastlines – with plenty of time to explore on land. With a mixture of coastal sailing and offshore passages offering a wide variety of exhilarating conditions, the ‘getting there’ is all part of it – this is adventure sailing at its best.”
Bookings for the SKIRR Adventures 2025 expedition are open now. Are you ready to explore? Find out more about the individual legs here. Our team can talk you through the experience required and help you sign up for any additional training you may require.
