Sailing to Shetland and Norway from the Faroes
Join tall ship Blue Clipper for an adventurous sailing voyage from the wild Faroe Islands, through the Viking shores of Shetland, to Norway’s spectacular fjords.
Set sail aboard tall ship Blue Clipper for a hands-on voyage across the North Atlantic, from the dramatic cliffs of the Faroe Islands to the wild shores of Shetland, and onward to the towering fjords of Norway.
This voyage combines open ocean adventure with remote island exploration and awe-inspiring coastal scenery, and is perfect for those looking to spend more time under sail, discover hard-to-reach, remote locations and get to grips with sailing a traditional tall ship.
At the heart of the journey lie the Shetland Isles, a rugged archipelago steeped in Norse history and surrounded by wildlife-rich waters. Shetland is where the North Atlantic comes alive in both story and landscape.
- Fully crewed tall ship
- Remote island exploration
- Longer passages at sea
- Wildlife watching
- Great for couples or solo travellers
- En-suite Cabins
- UNESCO world heritage
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
The Faroe Islands, Shetland Isles and Norway
Set sail aboard the majestic Blue Clipper for a true hands-on sailing adventure across the North Atlantic, linking three wild and beautiful lands: the Faroe Islands, the Shetland Isles, and the Norwegian fjords.
We begin our journey in the southern Faroes, exploring steep sea cliffs, green valleys, and the quiet island communities around Tórshavn, where puffins nest and the rhythm of the sea shapes daily life.
From here, we cross 180 nautical miles to what is truly the centrepiece of this voyage. The Shetland Isles are a remote and storied archipelago that blends Norse heritage, ancient archaeology, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. This is the Viking frontier, where Iron Age brochs, Norse longhouses, and weather-worn stone walls tell stories of seafarers past.
Shetland’s dramatic cliffs and sea stacks are alive with wildlife. Visitors to the Isles are likely to see puffins, gannets, otters, and seals, with the chance of whales and orcas in deeper waters. Ashore, the islands are a patchwork of windswept moorland, quiet crofts, and welcoming communities proud of their deep-rooted culture. Whether hiking to a lighthouse, visiting a prehistoric site, or enjoying local seafood in a remote harbour, Shetland offers a powerful sense of place and connection to the North Atlantic.
On leaving the port of Shetland, we set our sails once again and cross the North Sea to Norway, where the land rises into a world of epic fjords. Towering cliffs, glacial valleys, and plunging waterfalls greet us as we sail into one of the most majestic natural environments on earth, a striking end to a voyage defined by wind, wild places, and water. Once a Viking stronghold and now a vibrant coastal city, Stavanger welcomes us with its blend of history, modern culture, and access to some of Norway’s most iconic natural wonders. It’s a fitting end to a voyage shaped by the sea- where rugged coasts, ancient routes, and the power of wind and sail come together in one unforgettable adventure.
Things to note
Sailing vs shore time
Do I need to take part in night watches?
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 12miles offshore.
Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is the perfect tall ship experience.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable crew always shows you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained, so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes, there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch! For those more adventurous, climbing the rigging or the bowsprit can also be a great experience.
Dining aboard
For her coastal voyages, Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board, too, so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a day of sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish, homemade bread with hearty home-cooked meals, and plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!
For her expedition and Atlantic crossings, there will be a boat cook on board.
Sleeping and relaxation
Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large, comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is undoubtedly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.
Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board, which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this, and buoyancy vests are also provided.
A Typical Day
On her coastal voyages, a typical day starts with a good, hearty breakfast before preparing the boat to hoist the sails. Once the sails are set to the next destination, there will be time to relax, read a book, chat to your fellow travellers or simply find a quiet corner and take in the view. Lunch will likely be served underway or at the next anchorage as you spend your afternoons exploring ashore.
Generally, on her expedition crossings and longer voyages, she will spend more time under sail. The day will still be punctuated by regular meal times, and there will likely be a watch system running throughout the voyage as she sails through the night. Stargazing on these longer voyages is spectacular with no light pollution and a complete view of the horizon.
Sample menu
All food is made on board, and local, fresh produce is at the top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST
- Poached/scrambled eggs, bacon, vine tomatoes, mushrooms
- French toast, bacon, maple syrup
- Porridge, fruit selection
- Toast, preserves and cereal selection
- Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice
AFTERNOON CAKE
- Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads
LUNCH
- Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
- Open sandwiches, salad, and crisps
- Cous cous salad, goat’s cheese, roasted red pepper
- Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
- Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish
DINNER
- Starters: Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt-baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot-smoked salmon crostini
- Fillet of coley, crushed new potatoes, asparagus, beurre blanc, dill mayo
- Pork belly, maple-glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
- Roast chicken thigh, sauteed new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
- Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
- Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo
Dessert
- Coffee and cake
- Cheeseboard
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Tall ship Blue Clipper has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean.
Built in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build, giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.
On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing, heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills, and even taking the helm. She has three kayaks and three paddle boards for guest use while on anchor, so you can explore even further inshore.
She offers voyages to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sailing breaks to week-long explorations in the Hebrides, she also takes those looking for something a little more adventurous across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. From the mystical, moody Scotland to the warm winter sun in the Caribbean, the crew aboard are on permanent rotation, so you’ll be in safe hands whichever voyage you choose.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Deck plan
Berths on board
Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths and an ensuite.
Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
Young Sailor 18-25 yr (4-berth shared cabin): Four single bunk berths in a mixed gender cabin.
More about Blue Clipper
More holidays in Norway, Orkney & Shetland, Scandinavia or The Faroe Islands
Short Break Tall Ship Sailing Holiday in Denmark
Baltic Sea Adventure: Finland Sailing
Adventure Sailing Holiday in the Lofoten Islands
Arctic Circumnavigation: Svalbard Sailing & Walking Expedition
More holidays on Blue Clipper
Sailing the North Sea from Norway to Orkney & Scotland
Tall Ship Sailing Holiday in Cornwall
Short break sailing in the Norwegian Fjords
Tall Ship Taster Experience in the Hebrides
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
