GOSPORT TO ICELAND PASSAGE

GOSPORT – REYKJAVIK

A unique opportunity to build your miles and gain offshore sailing experience as we travel from our home port in Gosport to Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland and gateway to the Arctic Circle. 

Set sail on an unforgettable offshore adventure that carries you from the historic maritime heart of Portsmouth, England, to the volcanic landscapes and midnight sun of Reykjavík, Iceland. This isn’t just a voyage — it’s a true ocean passage, a test of seamanship, teamwork, and spirit.

Over roughly 1,300 nautical miles, you’ll navigate some of the North Atlantic’s most storied waters: crossing the continental shelf, feeling the power of the open ocean beneath the keel, and enjoying varied marine wildlife including seabirds, dolphins and even whales. As we make our way north, expect crisp air, vivid sunsets, and the rare beauty of complete isolation — broken only by the rhythm of the waves and the companionship of your crew.

This passage is ideal for sailors looking to build offshore miles, gain hands-on experience in ocean navigation, and challenge themselves in varied conditions. As crew, you’ll be involved in all aspects of boat life both below and above deck – stand watch, take the helm, trim sails, and build upon your existing skills — all while guided by an experienced skipper, first mate and second mate who will share their knowledge every step of the way.

When Reykjavík finally rises on the horizon, its colourful harbor and geothermal skyline will feel like the reward for a journey well earned. You’ll step ashore not just as crew, but as a true ocean voyager.

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.

Offshore Passage Dates

Join Boat:                     15 June 2026
Depart Gosport:         16 June 2026
Arrive Reykjavik:       26 June 2026* – following this passage, extend your adventure by adding on the Greenland Explorer sailing expedition. 

*Departure/Arrival dates may be subject to conditions.

ADD A SAILING EXPEDITION TO GREENLAND

Extend your adventure to the high latitudes by joining one of our Iceland-Greenland sailing expeditions. Our first expedition will start from Reykjavik on Wednesday 01 July 2026.

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

Route: Gosport to REYKJAVIK

Type: OFFSHORE PASSAGE

Miles: +1300nm

Temperature Range: 12°c – 18°c

Dates: 15-27 June 2026

MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

RYA DAY SKIPPER // CLIPPER LEVEL 1 OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE

£995
REGISTER INTEREST FOR 2026

TALK TO AN EXPERT

+44 (0) 2392 215 215

BOOKINGS FOR 2026 WILL OPEN IN NOVEMBER – IN THE MEANTIME YOU CAN REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE: Register your interest for 2026

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. 

GREENLAND EXPLORER
ARCTIC ADVENTURE

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

Sailing this offshore passage between Iceland and Portsmouth 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 1,000 NM OFFSHORE PASSAGE on 68ft yacht

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

SAMPLE ITINERARY

MONDAY 15 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 2-5

GETTING FAMILIAR WITH CREW LIFE

For the first few days, we will enjoy some coastal sailing as we make our way along the south west coast of England allowing you to get into watch keeping routines. On reaching Land’s End, depending on conditions we will then either head north through the Irish Sea or west out into the Atlantic to the south of Ireland.

DAYS 6-10

OFFSHORE PASSAGE TO ICELAND

We estimate that it will take 8-10 days to complete the offshore passage to Iceland (subject to conditions). During this time, crew will settle into life on-board – establishing watch keeping rotations, learning new skills and refining existing ones whilst enjoying a variety of sailing conditions.
Throughout the passage, the professional sailing staff will be on hand to instruct, guide and share knowledge.

DAY 11-12

ARRIVE REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

After approximately 10-11 days at sea, you can expect to arrive into Iceland’s capital city on/around Friday 26 June (subject to conditions). Alive with culture, creativity and Icelandic hospitality, Reykjavik has so much to offer, all accessible on foot from the harbour where the boats will be berthed.

Prior to departing, you will assist with a deep clean of the before bidding farewell to your crew mates. You will be free to depart the boat by 1300 on Saturday 27 June.

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 £650* | 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 £980 | 9 DAYS +

ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE?

REGISTER TO JOIN THE 2026 EXPEDITION.
THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE.

REGISTER INTEREST