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Explore fjords, glaciers, mountains, and sail your way past majestic floating icebergs on an adventure in an Arctic paradise.
12 Nights: Aug 23 - 04 September 2021
55,700 NOK / £4,770 per person*
This is an exciting expedition with ocean crossing from Svalbard to Greenland, and a whole week of exploration and discoveries along the coast of East-Greenland. During the voyage, we really get a feeling of how big the ocean really is. In recent years the actual edge of the pack ice has been too far north for sailing along it towards the west, but we will still get close to large ice sheets, icebergs and glaciers when we arrive in Greenland
On this expedition, we also get to feel Greenland's greatness. In the fjords, and among the mountains and glaciers along the northeast coast, we will spend several days. This is an area very few have been before us and we are vulnerable, far from civilization and quite alone. We must be careful and manoeuvre slowly, but we have the southern Greenland stream with us on our way south. In these waters, at this time of year, we no longer have the full midnight sun, but it will be very bright 24/7 which is always a good starting point for an adventure trip.
This expedition is like our other adventures, primarily a major exploration, but also a great opportunity to learn a lot about sailing and navigation, and not least the use of a boat as a starting point for explorations and experiences ashore. Are you ready for the summer's expedition to Greenland and Iceland?
Day 1: Trip start in Longyearbyen
We meet at 12:00 on the harbour in Longyearbyen. We start with getting to know each other before we go through the schedule for the week. We get to know the boat and the equipment and finish packing provisions and types of equipment. The life onboard requires cooperation, and before departure, we go through routines and procedures onboard, for sailing and emergency situations. We depart and start sailing out the Ice fjord this first evening.
Day 2-5: From Longyearbyen to Shannon Island and Cape Wynn
This will be some ocean crossing from Svalbard to Greenland(!), but with a twist; we will cross quite far north so that we hit Greenland high up on the north-east coast around the Shannon island. The actual distance is about 430 nautical miles, and depending on the weather we spend 3-5 days, but most likely around 4 days.
Day 5-8: Exploration among the fjords on the north-east coast of Greenland
On this part of the expedition, we will sail in the fjords, among glaciers, snow-capped mountains and icebergs. This is an area very few people have been to, and not a very common place for sailing, especially not for commercial operators. The maps are poor and it is far off the beaten track, we have to be careful. On the boat, we have installed a type of forward-looking sonar that shows the depths also in front of the boat. On our way south we sail by places like Daneborg and Mosquito Bay, and places where Norwegians and others have been before in history for various reasons.
Day 8-10: The fjord of Scoresby Sound
Scoresby Sound is worth several days exploration. The inlet to the fjord is 27 kilometres wide and there is an enormous system of fjords and glaciers. Here at the inlet of the fjord is also the eastern coast’s northernmost settlement; the village of Ittoqqortormiit. The site has more than 400 inhabitants, all living in small wooden houses in the most gorgeous colours. We arrive at the warmest days of the year, and the residents spend most of the time outside and enjoy the sun before the tough winter returns.
Day 10-13: Sailing from Scoresby to Isafjordur on Iceland
We leave the huge fjord system of Scoresby and arrive Isafjordur on Iceland in good time. The distance is about 230 nautical miles and it will take us around 2 days depending on the weather. Along the way, we can expect to see more icebergs, but also whales that sleep in the surface, swim and dive. Isafjordur is the largest city on the north side of Iceland and when we are well moored we make time for caring both body and soul; here we find both good swimming pools with hot and cold tubs, and good restaurants and bars that we can check out. Good job, well in port!
In Longyearbyen and on Iceland
If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience Longyearbyen in advance of the trip, then we recommend staying an extra day or two before traveling home. It’s always smart to add time for some rest and calmness before and after such a trip, to let the impressions sink in and see what’s happening.
The program
The program may change according to weather and conditions, but it gives an indication of how we spend the days.
Level of trip
Changes in the program
The program should be seen as a starting point that we adapt to weather and conditions. We also reserve the right to constantly improve our itineraries.
Wet weather gear is available to hire for 500NOK (£50) per person for a jacket and trousers.
Fly into Longyearbyen, Svalbard.
Depart from Isafjordur, Iceland.
Day 1: Trip start in Longyearbyen
We meet at 12:00 on the harbour in Longyearbyen. We start with getting to know each other before we go through the schedule for the week. We get to know the boat and the equipment and finish packing provisions and types of equipment. The life onboard requires cooperation, and before departure, we go through routines and procedures onboard, for sailing and emergency situations. We depart and start sailing out the Ice fjord this first evening.
Day 2-5: From Longyearbyen to Shannon Island and Cape Wynn
This will be some ocean crossing from Svalbard to Greenland(!), but with a twist; we will cross quite far north so that we hit Greenland high up on the north-east coast around the Shannon island. The actual distance is about 430 nautical miles, and depending on the weather we spend 3-5 days, but most likely around 4 days.
Day 5-8: Exploration among the fjords on the north-east coast of Greenland
On this part of the expedition, we will sail in the fjords, among glaciers, snow-capped mountains and icebergs. This is an area very few people have been to, and not a very common place for sailing, especially not for commercial operators. The maps are poor and it is far off the beaten track, we have to be careful. On the boat, we have installed a type of forward-looking sonar that shows the depths also in front of the boat. On our way south we sail by places like Daneborg and Mosquito Bay, and places where Norwegians and others have been before in history for various reasons.
Day 8-10: The fjord of Scoresby Sound
Scoresby Sound is worth several days exploration. The inlet to the fjord is 27 kilometres wide and there is an enormous system of fjords and glaciers. Here at the inlet of the fjord is also the eastern coast’s northernmost settlement; the village of Ittoqqortormiit. The site has more than 400 inhabitants, all living in small wooden houses in the most gorgeous colours. We arrive at the warmest days of the year, and the residents spend most of the time outside and enjoy the sun before the tough winter returns.
Day 10-13: Sailing from Scoresby to Isafjordur on Iceland
We leave the huge fjord system of Scoresby and arrive Isafjordur on Iceland in good time. The distance is about 230 nautical miles and it will take us around 2 days depending on the weather. Along the way, we can expect to see more icebergs, but also whales that sleep in the surface, swim and dive. Isafjordur is the largest city on the north side of Iceland and when we are well moored we make time for caring both body and soul; here we find both good swimming pools with hot and cold tubs, and good restaurants and bars that we can check out. Good job, well in port!
In Longyearbyen and on Iceland
If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience Longyearbyen in advance of the trip, then we recommend staying an extra day or two before traveling home. It’s always smart to add time for some rest and calmness before and after such a trip, to let the impressions sink in and see what’s happening.
The program
The program may change according to weather and conditions, but it gives an indication of how we spend the days.
Base layer – 2x warm thermal tops + thermal leggings
Mid layer – 2x fleece type mid layers + mid layer trousers
Light waterproof shell (waterproof hiking type jacket and trousers) – for exploring ashore
Down jacket – a down (or synthetic alternative) jacket, the warmer the better
Gillet – optional but a really versatile mid layer, down or synthetic down are great
Hats – 2x warm wool hats, ear flaps are great
Waterproof hat – a waterproof hat or cap (eg Sealskins)
Neck warmer – 2x ‘Buff’ style neck warmers
Gloves – one waterproof pair (ski or fishing type) + 2x thinner fleece liner / spare pairs
Socks – 2x pairs of warm socks for sailing + hiking socks for exploring ashore
Boots – Wellington type boots. These are needed not just for sailing but also for getting ashore from the rib where you may need to stop into mid-calf depth water. They don’t need to be expensive or sailing specific, but they should be waterproof with good grip
Hiking shoes / boots – suitable for exploring on rough or wet terrain ashore
Rucsac – for on land exploring
Underwear – a couple of sets of comfortable underwear
Swimwear – you might not fancy a dip in the Arctic waters but a local hot tub can be a treat that you don’t want to miss out on
Camera, batteries, memory cards etc – it is possible to charge camera batteries onboard but it is a good idea to bring spare batteries and lots of memory card space
Entertainment – books, music etc for rest time
Toiletries – basic wash kit with travel-sized bottles
Eye mask and earplugs – can make sleeping easier in the midnight sun
Any personal medications that you need – ensure you have enough to last the whole trip
Dry bags – recommended for keeping any electrical kit in and for taking things ashore
Head torch – ideally with a red light function
Sunscreen – 24hr daylight can be relentless
Sunglasses
A set of ‘shore clothes’ for travelling in / rest days in town
Passport / visas
Credit/debit card for shore-based activities or travel emergencies
Kitbag – this must be squashy type (not a suitcase) a large barrel type bag is ideal
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