Goxsheim

Step aboard Goxsheim, a traditionally rigged sailing boat built in 1940 with a rich working-boat history and a strong spirit of adventure. Originally built on Norway’s west coast, Goxsheim has been used for Northern Lights voyages, whale watching, and Ski & Sail expeditions, and is still offering guests an authentic connection to the sea and Norway’s maritime traditions. Enjoy hands-on sailing adventures as you explore the coast of Norway and the archipelago of Svalbard.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths: 8
Number of bathrooms: 2
Cabin configuration: Four bunk cabins
Smoking policy: No smoking

Particulars

Port of Registration: TBC
Year built: 1940
Length overall: 72'
Draft: 3m
Beam: 5.5m
Number of Sails: TBC
Rig: Galeas
Crew: 3-4

View sailing schedule & book

Description

Goxsheim is a 72-foot, galeas-rigged Hardangerkutter, built to withstand everything the North Norwegian coast and Arctic seas can throw at her. Solid, steady, and deeply seaworthy, she is very much an adventurer’s boat. With generous deck space, there are endless opportunities to take in the dramatic Norwegian coastlines, experience the midnight sun or northern lights, and feel truly connected to the elements. On board, guests quickly become part of the crew — and more than a few have said it feels like stepping into a Norwegian, sea-going version of Pirates of the Caribbean.

From the wild coasts of Norway and into the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, Goxsheim offers guests a true sailing adventure. Get involved with all aspects of sailing this traditionally rigged vessel under the guidance of a professional and experienced crew. Explore remote landscapes, icy waters and wonder at the Arctic wildlife Svalbard has to offer.

Below deck, Goxsheim is warm, welcoming, and surprisingly spacious. The galley is located amidships, while a large, cosy saloon with a fireplace makes the heart of the boat — a perfect place to gather after a day on deck. She has four guest cabins, along with separate crew quarters. Comfort is ensured by a central heating system, and all berths are fitted with warm down duvets and comfortable pillows, making life aboard snug, even in Arctic conditions.

After her latest re-fit in Spring 2026, ongoing care and upgrades are part of honouring her legacy. With careful maintenance, improvements to onboard spaces, and a new deckhouse, she is ready to make her first voyage to Svalbard.

Life onboard

Getting Involved

You don’t need any experience to join Goxsheim’s sailing holidays, just a love for the natural world and a real sense of adventure. Sailing with Goxsheim is a real hands-on, authentic experience as you work with the crew and fellow guests to navigate the coasts of Norway and the archipelago of Svalbard. Get stuck into all aspects of life on board, from taking the helm, hoisting the sails, basic sail theory and domestic duties.

With her traditional rig, sailing Goxsheim is a hands-on, authentic experience. The crew will be on hand to show guests the ropes, so you don’t need any experience to join. She’s a great boat to learn on if you haven’t sailed before. You can work together to hoist the sails, take the helm and work with the skipper to keep your course. The crew who sail in these waters are highly skilled, resourceful, and calm, and they are always on hand to guide guests.

The boat works on a relaxed watch system, usually 4 hours on and 8 hours off. This gives guests a real chance to have some focused sailing time, while also having time to just be. To sit, watch the world go by, relax, nap, read a book in your cabin, play cards in the saloon, or simply sit at the bows, watching and reflecting as the world glides by. If Goxsheim spends time on anchor, the watch system will run overnight, but with all guests and crew participating, you wouldn’t be on watch on consecutive nights.

There is always a thorough safety briefing and introduction once guests have settled onboard, followed by a “man overboard” procedure (don’t worry – this is a fender, not a real person!) and a fire safety drill.

Sleeping and Relaxation

Below deck, there is plenty of space with a galley and a large and cosy saloon with a fireplace that ensures a social experience for everyone on board. Goxsheim has four cabins for guests, together with crew quarters. Comfort is ensured by a central heating water-borne heating system running continuously.

There are full-size domestic showers with plenty of hot water, although, as with all sailing experiences, guests are asked to be respectful with their water consumption. A small bath towel is provided per person, but you’ll need to bring an extra hand towel or swim towel if you wish.

Eating Aboard

Aside from setting the sails and taking the helm, the next most important aspect of Arctic sailing on Goxsheim is definitely the food! Once you’ve boarded the boat, a crew member will split all guests into pairs, who are then divided over a rota for breakfast, lunch and dinner duties. With an average of 10 people on board, you’ll normally end up doing one of each service over a week’s voyage.

If you’re not much of a cook, fear not! There will be a menu plan for the whole voyage, with all provisions on board. The menu plan is entirely flexible depending on the day’s plan— maybe you catch a fish, or perhaps the more confident cooks want to experiment a little! Alongside the menu plan, there is a corresponding recipe book, especially made with ingredients, quantities and cooking methods to match the meal plan. Cooking on board is an integral part of how a sailing ship operates. A hearty feed after a sailing adventure, a chance to bring everyone together, for confidence to grow, and cultural culinary tips to be shared.

Meet the crew of GOXSHEIM

Goxsheim’s crew works on a rotation basis with its sister ships. She always sails with a knowledgeable and qualified skipper and a first mate. Goxsheim is part of the Seil Norge fleet, and they pride themselves on their training programme and crew retention.

The skipper and first mate (co-skipper), plus a dedicated guide for Svalbard sailing voyages, will be on board for Goxsheim’s sailing holidays

The history

Goxsheim was built in 1940 in Hatlestrand, Hardanger, on Norway’s west coast. She was originally constructed as a working boat for fishing and freight transport along the rugged Norwegian coastline. Like many vessels of her time, she was built to be strong and seaworthy, prioritising function and durability over comfort, and was well suited to harsh weather and demanding conditions.

Later in her life, Goxsheim was converted into a sailing vessel and rigged as a galeas-rigged Hardangerkutter, a traditional two-masted sail plan commonly used on Norwegian workboats. This transformation marked the beginning of a new chapter, shifting her role from purely commercial work to sailing and exploration. In 1999, she was purchased by Charles Wara in Vadsø, in northern Norway, who refitted her specifically for expedition sailing and adventure travel.

Since that conversion, Goxsheim has been actively used for expeditions in northern and Arctic waters. She has hosted Northern Lights journeys, whale safaris, and ski-and-sail expeditions. Rather than operating as a modern yacht, she offers a hands-on, authentic sailing experience rooted in traditional seamanship and wooden boat culture.

Today, Goxsheim is continuing her life as an expedition vessel. She sails along the North Norwegian coast, into more remote areas such as the Barents Sea, and towards Svalbard. More than 80 years after she was built, Goxsheim stands as a living piece of Norwegian maritime history—bridging her origins as a hardworking coastal vessel with her modern role in adventure sailing and exploration.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals and soft drinks are included. Guests work on a rotation basis to cook together onboard.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes - please specify at time of enquiry.
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol that can be settled at the end of the voyage.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
TBC
Is there a porthole in my cabin?
TBC
How many toilet/showers does she have?
She has 2 bathrooms with one shower.
Are bedding and towels included?
Yes, all bedding and a towel is provided.
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Goxsheim does not have laundry on board.
Is there heating on board?
Yes!
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken onboard?
English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.
Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, exact locations are TBC
What is the currency on board?
Norwegian Krone.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes, every bunk is numbered with an allocated life jacket.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Goxsheim is often 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. There is also a swim ladder on the stern of the boat.
Are waterproofs provided?
Guests can rent oilskins from Valiente for 650NOK per trip, per person.
Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.
Does the boat have any water toys?
No
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?
Minimum age 14, between 14-18 need to be accompanied by parent/guardian.