The long way home

tromso – faros – herbribdes – south west ireland – gosport

A chance to build your miles, get stuck into life on board and sail your way home from the Arctic.

Join us for The Long Way Home, an advanced offshore passage taking you from Tromsø to Gosport, with a route south through the Faroe Islands, the Hebrides and southwest Ireland.

Leaving the Arctic behind, we’ll head out into the North Atlantic, taking on a series of longer offshore legs along the way. You’ll be part of the crew from start to finish, getting involved in everything from helming and sail handling to navigation, watches and the everyday jobs that keep the yacht moving.

The route takes us through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the North Atlantic, from the rugged Faroe Islands and remote Hebridean coast to the wild coastline of southwest Ireland. Once offshore, expect big Atlantic swells, changing conditions and plenty of time at sea, with the chance to spot whales, dolphins and seabirds along the way.

This is an opportunity to really build your offshore experience. You’ll work alongside a professional skipper and two mates, developing your sailing and navigation skills while gaining valuable miles towards your Yachtmaster qualification. There will also be opportunities to practise celestial navigation, using the sun and stars to help navigate offshore.

As with any offshore passage, the exact route and timings will depend on the weather and sea conditions, with the skipper adapting the plan where needed. By the time we sail into Gosport, you’ll have made the long journey south from the Arctic, added some serious offshore miles to your logbook and hopefully picked up plenty of new skills and stories along the way.

The Long Way Home is aimed at experienced offshore sailors looking to take on a longer passage, build confidence at sea and develop their skills in a true offshore environment.

Offshore Passage Dates

Join Boat: 08 September 2027 – prior to this passage, extend your adventure by adding on the INTO THE HIGH ARTIC sailing expedition. 
Depart Tromso:      09 September 2027
Arrive Gosport:       25 September 2027*

*Departure/Arrival dates may be subject to conditions.

ADD A SAILING EXPEDITION TO Svalbard

Extend your adventure to the high latitudes by joining one of our sailing expeditions. Prior to this offshore passage, our final expedition will start from Tromso on Saturday 14 August 2026.

Click here to find out more – High Arctic – you can add this at the time of booking or contact us to find out more.

Route: tROMSO TO GOSPORT DELIVERY

TYPE: mileage building & celestial navigation

Miles: +1600nm

Temperature Range: 12°c – 18°c

Dates: 08 – 26 September 2027

MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

RYA DAY SKIPPER // CLIPPER LEVEL 1

TALK TO AN EXPERT

+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. 

ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS

Sailing this offshore passage from Tromsø to Gosport is a great opportunity to build sea miles, gain valuable offshore experience and refine your existing skills under the guidance of a professional Skipper, First Mate and Second Mate. As we make our way south through the North Atlantic, you can expect a variety of sailing conditions and plenty of time immersed in 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 

  • OPPPORTUNITY TO WITNESS THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

  • EXHILARATING 950 NM 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 passage 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.

Wednesday 08 SEPTEMBER

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

SAFETY BRIEF & PASSAGE DEPARTURE

This morning will involve a yacht familiarisation and extensive safety brief with your Skipper and expedition team before setting sail.

Once underway, you’ll settle into life at sea as we begin the long journey south, with opportunities to get involved with helming, sail handling, navigation and watchkeeping.

DAYS 2-6

SOUTHBOUND NORWEGIAN SEA

We’ll make our way south across the Norwegian Sea, leaving the High Arctic behind as we settle into the rhythm of offshore sailing.

With several days at sea, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to develop your sailing and navigation skills, working as part of the crew as we make our way towards the North Atlantic.

DAYS 7-8

FAROE ISLANDS

Our first stop will be the spectacular Faroe Islands, where dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and remote villages rise from the North Atlantic.

Depending on conditions and our arrival time, we’ll have the opportunity to explore ashore, stretch our legs and experience a taste of these remote islands before continuing south.

DAY 9-10

SCOTTISH HEBRIDES

Leaving the Faroes behind, we’ll continue towards the Hebrides, sailing through some of Scotland’s most dramatic and remote waters.

Weather permitting, we’ll explore the islands and coastline, with opportunities to visit a harbour or anchorage and experience the wild landscapes of the western Scottish coast.

DAY 12-14

SOUTH WEST IRELAND

Continuing south through the North Atlantic, we’ll make our way towards South West Ireland.

Expect rugged coastline, sheltered bays and picturesque fishing communities as we explore this beautiful stretch of the Irish coast. The route will remain flexible depending on weather and sea conditions.

DAY 15-16

HOMEWARD BOUND

From Ireland, we’ll set a course east towards the English Channel and begin the final offshore leg of our journey.

As we approach the south coast of England, the end of our adventure will be in sight, with the crew working together through the final stages of the passage.

DAY 17

ARRIVAL: GOSPORT

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 memories of an incredible journey from the High Arctic, through the North Atlantic and back home to the UK.

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)

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 passage 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.