Offshore Sailing Expedition from Svalbard to the Netherlands
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Sail with tall ship Noorderlicht from the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to the Dutch port of Harlingen.
Embark on an offshore sailing expedition across the North Sea aboard tall ship Noorderlicht, sailing from the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard to the Dutch port of Harlingen. Follow the routes of the great explorers, trading the vast, icy silence of the Arctic for the busy waterways of northern Europe over two extraordinary weeks at sea.
Take the helm, stand watch and learn to sail a traditionally rigged tall ship as Noorderlicht makes her way south with the chance of Aurora Borealis lighting the sky along the way. This voyage is perfect for adventurous sailors ready to gain some serious sea miles on a genuinely hands-on offshore passage.
- Offshore North Sea tall ship passage
- Hands-on watch system sailing
- Aurora Borealis opportunity
- Private cabins, full board
- Some prior experience is recommended
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Offshore Sailing Expedition: Svalbard to the Netherlands
Longyearbyen, Svalbard → Norwegian Coast → North Sea → Harlingen, Netherlands
Over two weeks, Noorderlicht sails from Longyearbyen in the high Arctic south to Harlingen on the Dutch coast, covering serious sea miles across some of the North Sea’s most demanding waters. The route is entirely weather-dependent as a favourable wind may carry the ship straight south across open ocean, while northerly conditions may bring a coastal route along the Norwegian fjords, each as remarkable in its own way.
Sailing by the Stars
Far from land and any light pollution, the night sky on an offshore passage is something most people have never experienced. Stars fill the horizon from edge to edge, and with modern GPS aboard alongside traditional charts, there may well be the chance to try your hand at celestial navigation, plotting your position using the stars as sailors have done for centuries. It is an age-old skill, and one that feels entirely at home on a traditionally rigged tall ship.
Standing watch through the night, with the sails set and the ocean around you, is one of those experiences that stays with you long after the voyage is over.
Weather and What to Expect
An offshore passage means experiencing the full range of what the sea can offer. The crew will use weather radar to plan the route as carefully as possible, optimising for both safety and sea miles. But the ocean makes its own decisions, so you can expect strong winds and significant swells, perfect sailing conditions, glassy calms with not a breath of wind, and everything in between. That variety is part of what makes a voyage like this so memorable.
All guests join the 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off watch system alongside the crew, sharing responsibility for the ship around the clock. This is hands-on sailing in the truest sense and for those who want to learn, there is no better classroom than open water.
Aboard Tall Ship Noorderlicht
Noorderlicht is a traditionally rigged tall ship with comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins. Built for exactly this kind of offshore work, she is a capable and seaworthy vessel with all modern navigation and safety equipment on board. The galley and downstairs saloon sit at the heart of the ship, with a further seating area and bar in the deckhouse.
- Sleeping: Private twin cabins with bedding provided
- Food: Full board – hearty, home-cooked meals in the galley
- On deck: Active participation in all aspects of sailing – this is a working passage
- Atmosphere: Focused, hands-on and deeply rewarding with a small crew
- Sustainability: Under sail wherever conditions allow, making the most of the wind
Things to note
Sailing vs Shoretime
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 12 miles offshore.
Getting Involved
Offshore passage sailing aboard Noorderlicht is as hands-on as sailing gets. From the moment the lines are cast off, guests are an active part of the crew, hoisting the sails manually, taking the helm, helping to plot the course on charts and standing watch through the night. All guests join the 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off watch system alongside the crew, sharing responsibility for the ship around the clock. It is a genuine working routine, and one that quickly becomes the rhythm of life on board. For those who want to learn, there is no better classroom than open water, and the crew are always happy to explain what they are doing and why.
Sleeping and Relaxation
The interior of Noorderlicht is authentically decorated, giving it an informal, cosy and nautical atmosphere. There are spacious cushioned seating and dining areas in the upper and lower deck saloons – a good place to rest between watches, compare notes with fellow travellers or simply sit and watch the ocean go by through the portholes. The upper saloon is also where the bar sits; the coffee pot is always on, and guests are welcome to use the bar as they wish, with an honesty tab.
The sleeping area is located on the lower deck, with 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. There are four communal toilets and showers throughout the ship, cleaned daily. Each bathroom has dispensers for shampoo, conditioner and body wash.
A Typical Day
Life on a passage voyage is shaped by the watch system. With a 4-hours-on, 8-hours-off rota, each day has its own rhythm, time on deck keeping watch, time below to sleep, eat and rest. Watches can fall at any hour, day or night, and that is very much part of the experience. A night watch under a sky full of stars, far from any light pollution, with the sails full and the ocean around you, is one of those things that is hard to describe and easy to remember.
Meals punctuate the day and bring the whole crew together. Between watches, the saloon is a good place to read, rest or talk. When conditions allow, there is time on deck to simply enjoy the sailing, watching the horizon, looking out for wildlife or lending a hand with the sails. On longer passages, the days settle into a comfortable routine that feels very different from life ashore.
Dining Aboard
Good food is an essential part of life on board, and Noorderlicht’s professional cook serves excellent meals from the international kitchen three times a day. Breakfast is a continental spread with fresh bread, cooked eggs, meat, cheeses, yoghurt, cereals, muesli and fresh fruit, served at 8 am. Lunch follows around 1 pm, and dinner is usually on the table at around 7.30 pm, though mealtimes flex with the demands of the passage and the weather. Coffee, teas and soft drinks are available from the honesty bar throughout the day, and fresh fruit and biscuits are on hand between meals. Guests with dietary needs are encouraged to have a quick chat with the cook on the first day.
Noorderlicht
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Schooner
High above mainland Norway, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard sits. An icy wilderness that tall ship Noorderlicht has called home since 1994. Spending her summers exploring Northern Norway & Svalbard, she takes guests on whale watching holidays along the south-west coast and offers longer adventures circumnavigating the whole island. She also offers expedition voyages across the Barents Sea for those seeking a more exhilarating, hands-on adventure with plenty of sailing.
A traditionally rigged tall ship, guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing, although the wind in Svalbard can be unpredictable, so some time is spent under motor. Guests can still take the helm and help plot the course on charts with the crew.
Low-impact, environmentally friendly travel goes 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. From glacier walks, birdwatching, whales, polar bears, and abandoned mining stations, Noorderlicht’s voyages are perfect for those wanting to discover remote locations far from the tourist crowds.
You don’t need any sailing experience to join Noorderlicht’s adventures, but a good level of fitness is recommended so you can hike the hills comfortably for dramatic views and take the opportunity to explore a sleeping village at night in the midnight sun. There is a good balance aboard to rest and relax, read a book or chat with fellow travellers as you travel between landing spots.
With comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests in private twin cabins, her size and draft allow her to reach some of the most remote areas of Svalbard, making her a great way to discover the hidden gems this breathtaking part of the world has to offer. The galley and downstairs seating area sit in the middle of the ship, with another seating area and bar in the deckhouse.
Deck plan
More about Noorderlicht
More holidays in Netherlands, Norway or Svalbard
Adventure Sailing Holiday in the Lofoten Islands
Norwegian Sailing: Lofoten and Steigen Islands
Arctic Spring Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Offshore Sailing Adventure from the Netherlands to Cornwall
More holidays on Noorderlicht
Atlantic Sailing Adventure from Madeira to Cape Verde
Arctic Summer Sailing and Walking in Svalbard
Svalbard Expedition Sailing: Arctic Autumn
Svalbard Expedition Sailing: Arctic Autumn
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
