Offshore Sailing Expedition from Svalbard to the Netherlands

Your Sailing Area

Svalbard to Harlingen

High in the Arctic circle sits the the world’s most northernmost town, sitting halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Svalbard is one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, often referred to as the “land of the midnight sun” when from mid-May to late September, the archipelago sits in 24 hour daylight.

Ocean passages can bring conditions fit for only the boldest adventurers seeking the ultimate challenge. This hands-on sailing adventure is perfect for those wanting to experience life on a traditionally rigged tall ship and tuck some sea miles under their belt. We recommend some previous experience of time on the water and some time spent on a boat. Whether that’s a taster sailing weekend, dinghy sailing club or weekends on your grandparent’s boat, once we have left port, there is no turning back!

During these two weeks, you will learn how to sail the beautiful Noorderlicht. You will be part of our watch system, and together with our highly skilled crew, you will bring the home. As you can imagine, this trip is highly dependent on the weather. If the wind is in our favour, we will go straight to the south. If not, we take a route along the Norwegian coast and through the fjords. So in both situations, it will be a voyage that you will remember for the rest of your life!

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Sailing by the stars

Far from land, miles into the open ocean, you’ll see the night sky as you have never seen it before. The stars light the sky as we sail away from any man-made light pollution, creating a truly spectacular sight. Although each boat certainly has all the modern GPS equipment, there will likely be the chance to try celestial navigation, using the stars to plot your position and guide your route! An age-old skill used by sailing ancestors of years gone by.

Weather

Part of the beauty of an ocean-going adventure is experiencing all the elements. From wind, rain and sun, we will certainly see them all. Whatever comes our way, the crew will use weather radar technology to plan our route as best they can to ensure we cover the most miles as safely as possible. Expect strong winds and big waves, perfect sailing to glassy seas with not a breath of wind and everything in-between.

All voyages for Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Schooner

Originally built in 1910, Noorderlicht has a colourful history and has spent much of her life sailing the Baltic Sea and exploring Svalbard. With various refits, hull extensions and rigging reconfigurations, she now sails as a graceful two-masted schooner, taking guests on sustainable adventure holidays in Svalbard.

With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins, Noorderlicht offers guests whale watching and wildlife expeditions exploring the Arctic waters of Northern Norway & Svalbard. Her size and draft mean she can reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard so she is a great way to discover the hidden gems that this breathtaking part of the world has to offer.

Low impact and environmental travel go hand-in-hand with Noorderlicht’s ethos. Her ability to explore this part of the world is the best way to enjoy the beautiful, unspoiled nature.

In the early 90s, she was refitted to become a charter vessel, and so her accommodation below decks was given careful consideration. She has ten comfortable twin cabins that all share four bathrooms. The galley and downstairs seating area sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.

Deck plan

Life on board Noorderlicht

Sleeping and Relaxation

The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated, giving it an informal, cosy, and nautical atmosphere. The upper and lower deck saloons have spacious cushioned seating and dining areas, providing enough space for 12 guests to enjoy meals, compare photos, or simply relax and read books. The upper saloon is also where the bar sits, the coffee pot is also on, and guests are welcome to use the bar as they wish, using an honesty tab. 

The sleeping area is situated at the lower deck in 10 twin cabins. All cabins have bunk berths, plenty of built-in storage, a washbasin, a mirror and charging ports. All bedding and towels are provided so you don’t need to bring your own. There are four communal toilets/showers throughout the ship which are cleaned daily when guests are on shore landings. Each bathroom has shampoo, conditioner and body wash dispensers for guests to use.

The food

If we have learned anything from our years of experience on sailing ships, it is the importance of good food on a ship! Although the offshore sailing gives rise to limitations on the possibilities and supplies of the food onboard, our professional cook will prepare you excellent meals from the international kitchen three times a day. Breakfast is served at 8 am, a continental breakfast with fresh bread, cooked eggs, meat and vegetables, cheeses, yoghurt, cereals, muesli and fresh fruit.

The cook aims to serve lunch around 1 pm. Coffee, teas, and soft drinks are available from the honesty bar throughout the day, and everyone is responsible for keeping the coffee pot topped up and the kettle hot! Fresh fruit and biscuits are also available throughout the day. Dinner is usually served at about 7.30 pm. The cook encourages any guests with dietary needs to pop in the galley and have a quick chat with him on the first day.

Kit list

Noorderlicht has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. Each bunk is allocated a storage chest to store your items, but there is no storage for rigid cases, so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack. 

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items; these are not mandatory, and those who have sailed before may have their preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore and/or light shoes/trainers
• Offshore sailing boots
• Flip-flops or crocs for wet room showering (optional) 
• Swimsuit and swim towel (optional) 
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea, so please bring many layers, even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Offshore warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers. 
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Refillable water bottle
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Sleep masks and/or earplugs!
• Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices)
• 2-pin adapator
• A good book or two to read!

Travel Documents

•  Please assume full responsibility for checking and verifying any passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements to the country if/as required.

What’s included

• Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and from the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free. We cannot cater for a vegan diet.

• Are there any added extras?

  There is an honesty bar for alcohol and soft drinks. You can pay your honesty tab by card but tips are left in cash.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6 x twin bunk cabins with shared bathrooms.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, each cabin has a deck hatch for light and ventilation. We recommend bringing an eye mask during the summer months for the midnight sun.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  4 shower rooms and an extra single toilet.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and towels are provided.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  Please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  Noorderlicht does not have laundry for guests unless you are taking part in the 16day circumnavigation, where you will be able to wash underwear/small items if needed.

• Is there heating on board?

  Most definitely! The generator runs continuously so the boat is fully heated.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  Dutch/English

• Is there Wi-Fi?

  There is no wifi on-board and there will be times when you are out of range when sailing in Svalbard. When you're in range to local towns, you should be able to pick up 4/5G so please make sure you have the appropriate data roaming set up on your mobile phone.

• Can I charge my phone/camera?

  Yes. There are power points in all cabins. Please bring 2-pin European adaptors.

• What is the currency on board?

  Euro's

• Are life jackets provided?

  Yes, life-jackets are provided and there are safety demonstrations once you board.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Noorderlicht is always at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs provided?

  Noorderlicht does not have waterproofs for guests so please bring your own.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  Noorderlicht does not have any water toys.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. No children younger than 11. Above aged 16 is fine, but ages 11-16 we must check directly with the boat on a case by case basis.

Travel Planning

From: Longyearbyen, Svalbard

To: Harlingen, Netherlands

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

GETTING THERE

Svalbard, Norway

BY AIR

Fly into Oslo or Tromsø to get a connecting flight to Svalbard. There are several flights a day into Longyearbyen Airport from Oslo and Tromsø in Norway. Your easiest route from the UK to Longyearbyen (LYR) Airport for Svalbard is from London Heathrow via Oslo with airline SAS.

Taxis and buses meet each incoming /outgoing flight, even in the middle of the night and will stop at the marina on request, and the airport shuttle service stops at all hotels in the centre.

If you need to drop luggage off at the boat on the day of arrival before your joining time of 4 pm, you are welcome to. Prompt joining at 4 pm is required so the boat can set course to the first anchorage!

Getting Home

Harlingen, Netherlands

Travelling from Harlingen to Schiphol Airport, the main international airport in the Netherlands, can be done by train or taxi. From Schiphol, there are numerous flights to the UK, providing convenient connections. Alternatively, travellers can opt for a direct train or shuttle service from Schiphol to the UK via the Eurostar.