Leg 5: ICELAND, ISLES AND ISLANDS
Miles: +1400nm
Temperature Range: 8°c – 21°c
Dates: 31 AUGUST – 19 SEPTEMBER 2025
MIN. EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
RYA DAY SKIPPER, CLIPPER LEVEL 1 TRAINING OR EQUIVALENT
Cost: £3250
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Get 5% discount on your total booking value when you purchase two or more expedition legs. Or choose 'Experience Everything' to purchase all five legs and save further.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
ARRIVAL: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Arrive at the Brokey marina in Reykjavik, Iceland’s colourful capital, between 1700 and 1800 to meet your Skipper and crew.
You will be welcomed by our friendly sailing staff and introduced to your fellow adventurers before heading off for 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 Reykjavik in the early afternoon, and set sail towards the Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago of 18 islands in the North Atlantic.
DAYS 2-5
OFfshore passage to the FAROE ISLANDs
Depending on conditions, the 500 nautical mile passage to the Faroe Islands will take approximately four days. During this exhilarating offshore passage you can expect to enjoy varied sailing conditions and even some company from seabirds, whales and dolphins.
DAYs 6-9
RUGGED, ROCKY FAROES
Spend a couple of days exploring the Faroe Islands, which offer stunning scenery, rich wildlife and fascinating culture. You can hike to spectacular viewpoints, visit ancient villages and churches, see a variety of wildlife, or sample local delicacies.
Potential Stops:
Vágar, Tórshavn, Nolsoy or similar
DAYS 10-12
TOWARDS SHETLANDS or Orkneys
Depart the Faroe Islands and, depending on conditions, either sail towards Shetland Islands or Orkney Islands. You will experience another exciting sailing leg, crossing the North Sea and enjoying the changing landscapes. Keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and seabirds along the way.
See below sample itineraries for each location.
DAYS 12-14 – IF heading to Shetlands
IN VIKINGS FOOTSTEPS
Arrive in the Shetland Islands, a place of rugged beauty and unique heritage. Spend a couple of days exploring the islands, which offer a variety of attractions and activities.
You can visit ancient archaeological sites, museums and galleries, see Shetland ponies and sheep, or enjoy local music and festivals.
DAY 12-14 – if heading to ORkneys
ORKNEY, ARCHIPELAGO IN SCOTLAND
Arriving in Orkney, an archipelago of over 70 islands off the coast of Scotland, you will experience another scenic sailing leg, passing by cliffs, lighthouses and islands.
We will spend some time exploring the islands, which offer a wealth of attractions and activities. You can visit Neolithic monuments, stone circles and tombs, see Viking relics and shipwrecks, or enjoy local crafts and cuisine.
DAYS 14-18
HOMEWARD BOUND
We will leave Shetland/Orkney and sail back towards Gosport, our final destination. You will experience one last sailing adventure, the route of which will be subject to conditions, but could take you down the east or west coast of the British Isles.
You will also have a chance to reflect on your journey and celebrate with your crew mates.
DAYS 18-19
LEG FINISH: GOSPORT, ENGLAND
We will arrive back in Gosport, where the SKIRR Adventures 2025 Artic expedition ends.
You will help with the deep clean of the boat before departing by 1300 on Friday 19 September (or earlier depending on return). Say goodbye to your crew mates and take home unforgettable memories and new friendships.
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
- 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.
WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS
Iceland, Faroe Islands and Scotland are all destinations that offer a rich variety of wildlife to observe and admire. Some of the wildlife you might expect to see are, puffins, whales, seals, red deer, dolphins and more. Keep your binoculars handy on this leg!
