Route: ARCTIC ADVENTURE
Type: SAILING EXPEDITION
Miles: +800nm
Temperature Range: 0°c – 15°c
Expedition Dates:
20 July – 4 August 2026 OR
27 August – 11 September 2026
MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
RYA DAY SKIPPER // CLIPPER LEVEL 1 TRAINING OR EQUIVALENT
TALK TO AN EXPERT
BOOKINGS FOR 2026 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER 2025 – 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.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
Sailing between Iceland and Greenland is a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the Arctic environment. In addition to a variety of sailing onditions, along the way you are likely to encounter various species of whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and even polar bears. You will also marvel at the stunning scenery of icebergs, glaciers and fjords that make this region so special. 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 Artic Circle and become a ‘Blue Nose’
DISCOVER THE RUGGED BEAUTY OF EASTERN GREENLAND
EXPERIENCE THE REMOTENESS OF GREENLAND SETTLEMENTS
“It was an adventure of a lifetime, and I would eagerly look forward to participating in another one in the future. Additionally, the friendships I forged during this expedition are something I value immensely; they truly feel like they are going to be for a lifetime.”
“Seeing the Northern Lights from the helm at night was almost enough. Seeing the low sun on the ocean with snow capped mountains beyond has to be experienced, no photographs do it justice, especially when some of those mountains turn out to be icebergs.”
SAMPLE ITINERARY
ARRIVAL: Ísafjörður, ICELAND
Arrive in Isafjordur, a charming fishing town in the Westfjords of Iceland, between 1700 and 1800 to meet your Skipper and crew.
You will be welcomed aboard and get the chance to familiarise yourself with the boat before heading off for a crew dinner.
DAY 1
EXPEDITION DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we will go through some safety procedures and checks, and make sure you are comfortable with the boat and its equipment.
Depending on conditions, we will depart Isafjordur in the early afternoon, and set sail towards Greenland. You will have a chance to learn some sailing skills, whilst getting familiar with sail trimming, winch handling and helming.
DAYS 2-4
ENTERING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
We will sail north through the Denmark Strait where we will soon cross into the Arctic Circle, an occasion marked by a ‘blue nose ceremony’ where sailors’ noses are painted blue!
Experience the thrill of sailing in the open ocean where we will likely encounter various sea birds, whales and dolphins and keep your eyes peeled for your first iceberg sighting!
DAYS 5-8
SCORESBY SUND, EASTERN GREENLAND
If ice conditions allow, we will enter Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world. Stretching for more than 200 miles the fjords contain hundreds of islands, glaciers, icebergs, and mountains. Explore different bays and coves, and if conditions allow, head ashore to experience the remote beauty of this incredible landscape.
Potential Stops:
Ittoqqortoormiit or similar
DAYS 9-13
ARCTIC FJORDS & ICELANDIC COAST
Depart Scoresby Sund, heading down the Greenland coast before crossing back across the Denmark Strait to Iceland. Depending on conditions, we will visit a some Icelandic fjords and locations along the way, enjoying the dramatic landscapes and keeping an eye out for marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins and seabirds.
Potential Stops:
Olafsvik, Grundarfjordur or similar
DAY 14-15
FINISH: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Arrive in Reykjavik as a ‘blue nose’ and enjoy a crew dinner before spending your last night on board.
After breakfast, you will assist with a deep clean of the boat before saying goodbye to your skipper and crew. You will be free to depart the boat by 1300 on 4th August or 11 September, with memories that will last a lifetime.
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 £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 +
ACHIEVED RYA COMPETENT CREW?
If you have already achieved RYA Competent Crew or equivalent you may gain the relevant experience required for later legs by sailing on this leg, Leg 1 Western Coves & Scottish Isles.
