Leg 2: DISCOVER ICELAND
Miles: +785nm
Temperature Range: 9°c – 14°c
Dates: 09 July – 23 July 2025
MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
RYA DAY SKIPPER, CLIPPER LEVEL 1 TRAINING OR EQUIVALENT
Cost: £2750
TALK TO AN EXPERT
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SAMPLE ITINERARY
ARRIVAL: OBAN, SCOTLAND
Arrive at North Pier in Oban between 1700 and 1800 to meet your Skipper and crew.
You will be welcomed aboard and get a chance to familiarise yourself with the boat before heading off for a crew dinner.
DAY 1
EXPEDITION DEPARTURE
This morning will involve a yacht familiarisation and extensive safety brief with your skipper and expedition crew in preparation for an early afternoon departure.
The afternoon sail will likely 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 2-7
NORTH ATLANTIC PASSAGE
Leaving the UK behind, we’ll sail ~600NM passage across the North Atlantic towards Vestmannaeyjar, a group of volcanic islands off the south coast of Iceland. Get settled into watch keeping, practice your sailing skills and enjoy the abundant wildlife of this incredible passage.
DAYS 7-9
ISLANDS OF FIRE
Explore Vestmannaeyjar by boat and by land. Visit the main island of Heimaey, where you can hike to the crater of Eldfell volcano, see the remains of the 1973 eruption, and learn about the history and culture of the islanders. Enjoy Icelandic hospitality, culinary delights and be sure to visit the local inns for a drink to two.
DAYS 10-12
FANTASTIC FJORDS
Next, sail around the Reykjanes peninsula where the mid-Atlantic ridge makes landfall. This region plays host to some of Iceland’s most recent volcanic activity so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you sail past. If conditions allow we will anchor in Hvalfjordur to experience the Hvammsvik natural hot springs.
DAY 13-14
LEG FINISH: Reykjavik, Iceland
End your adventure in Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, where you can enjoy a crew dinner before spending your last night on board.
After breakfast, you will assist with the deep clean of the boat before saying goodbye to your Skipper and crew. You will be free to depart the boat by 1300 on 23 July and either continue your travels in Iceland or fly back home.
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 (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 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 (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 Legs 2-5 by completing Leg 1: Western Coves & Scottish Isles.
WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS
Vestmannaeyjar is synonymous with Atlantic birdlife which nest in their millions in the cliffs and grassy ledges. Puffins are especially abundant attracted by the North Atlantic’s richest fishing grounds in this area. This also attracts seals, dolphins and whales and in large numbers, which are best seen from onboard. Iceland is home to a variety of wildlife, both on land and in the sea. One of the most iconic animals of Iceland is the Icelandic horse, a small but sturdy breed that has been living on the island for over a thousand years.
