• Experienced local skipper/instructor on board
• Accommodation on board during the whole trip
• Our comfy-package with duvets, pillows and bedsheets
• All food and all meals that we eat onboard underway (from dinner first day until breakfast last day)
• High-quality inflatable life jacket
• A sustainable, environmentally friendly, unique, exotic and exclusive holiday
• Free use of equipment such as ribs, kayaks, fishing gear etc
• All boat-related expenses such as diesel, gas, harbour-fees etc
• Advice, guidance and practical training aimed at passing the boat driving license in Norway (Båtførerprøven).

• Transportation to/from Svalbard/Iceland
• Possible restaurant visits or other extra activities that cost extra
• Drinks like wine, beer or exclusive apple juice and other luxuries

Level of trip

• No sailing experience required
• A reasonable level of fitness advised

Changes in the program

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