LEG 4: arctic adventure

Ísafjörður – scoresby sund – reykjavik

Follow in the footsteps of both historic explorers who navigated sea ice in the North Atlantic and also modern-day scientists in the quest to limit changes to our vulnerable environment.

Join us for an unforgettable sailing adventure between Iceland and Greenland, two of the most stunning and remote destinations in the world. Experience the beauty and diversity of the Arctic landscape, from majestic fjords and glaciers to rugged mountains and tundra. Encounter wildlife such as whales, seals, polar bears and seabirds, and learn about the culture and history of the local people.

There is often remarkable refraction on the Greenland coast which means the mountains can be seen at a range of more than 60 miles. A word of warning – Greenland midges make the Scottish ones look amateurish. Fortunately they don’t like flying very far from the shore!

Leg 4: ARCTIC ADVENTURE

Miles: +800nm

Temperature Range: 0°c – 15°c

Dates: 13-27 August 2024

Cost: £3250

TALK TO AN EXPERT

+44 (0) 2392 215 215

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Depending on the weather and ice flow, we will take one of two options; head northwards into the Arctic Circle and to Scoresby Sund or head westward to Tasiilaq

 

DAY 1

ARRIVAL: Ísafjörður, ICELAND

Arrive in Isafjordur, a charming fishing town in the Westfjords of Iceland, between 1800 and 2000.

You will meet your skipper and crew, and get settled below deck. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing on the plan for the next two weeks.

DAY 2

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. We will depart Isafjordur in the early afternoon, and set sail towards Greenland. You will have a chance to learn some sailing skills, or just relax and enjoy the views of the rugged coastline.

DAYS 3-5

CROSSING THE DENMARK STRAIT

We will sail across the Denmark Strait, following the route of the Vikings who first discovered Greenland. Experience the thrill of sailing in the open ocean, and witness the changing scenery as we approach the Greenland coast.

DAYS 6-8

SCORESBY SUND

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. Anchor in different bays and coves, and step ashore for hikes and experience the unforgettable wildlife.

Potential Stops:
Ittoqqortoormiit or similar

DAYS 9-14

ICEBERGS, FJORDS & ISLANDS

Depart Scoresby Sund and sail back towards Iceland, taking a different route and visiting some other fjords and islands along the way. Enjoy the beauty of nature and keep an eye out for marine wildlife including whales, dolphins, seals..

Finally, make your way to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland where the Leg 4 adventure ends.

DAY 15

DEPARTURE: REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Crew to help with a deep clean of the boat, and say goodbye to your skipper and crew.

You will depart the boat at 1300, with memories that will last a lifetime.

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 (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
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 onboard each boat. We send 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 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 £1300 | 7 DAYS

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

Polar bear Iceland
Whale dive near Ilulissat among icebergs. Their source is by the Jakobshavn glacier.
White tail sea eagles on the hunt on the Isle of Mull In Scotland
A hiker at the top of the mountain views the magnificent landscape of the Isle of Skye. Bla Bheinn, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Sailing from Iceland to Greenland is a unique opportunity to witness the rich and diverse wildlife of the Arctic. Along the way, you might encounter various species of whales, seals, seabirds, musk ox and polar bears. Some of the highlights include humpback whales, harp seals, puffins and Arctic foxes. You will also marvel at the stunning scenery of icebergs, glaciers and fjords that make this region so special.

ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE?

BOOK NOW TO JOIN THE 2024 EXPEDITION.
THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE.