Sailing the Helgeland coast of Norway

YOUR SAILING AREA

Arctic Territory, Norway

Home to around 490,000 people, one tenth of the country’s population, Norway’s Arctic territory comprises nearly half the country’s land mass. The Arctic indigenous people of the Saami have lived in this region for thousands of years and it’s easy to see why with rugged mountains jutting from the sea making dramatic panorama’s at every turn. Visit small coastal villages, phenomenal fjords, thousands of uninhabited islands, miles of white-sand beaches and several nature reserves and national parks.

Although high in the Arctic circle, you’ll experience mild summer temperatures of up to 29°C thanks to warm gulf stream currents with 24 hours of golden daylight under the midnight sun between June to August. Crossing the invisible line of the Arctic circle is always marked with the ships horn and sightings of the Arctic circle monument on Vikingen island.

You’ll be sailing in the footsteps of your viking ancestors with the Nordland mountains telling the myth and legend of trolls turned into stone. The Helgeland coast was a key landmark in the Viking Age over 1200 years ago.

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Depart from Norway’s gateway to the Arctic circle, the administrative town of Bodø. Your first Norwegian adventure will actually be on a thrilling Rib safari to see the world’s largest maelstrom (strongest tidal currents)! Once you’re safely back aboard and settled on Stella Oceana, it’s time to set sail for a 6 hour journey up the coast. Relax on deck as we sail by coastlines filled with skerries, uninhabited islands and nature reserves. 

The first stop of Træna is one of Norway’s smallest island municipalities and sits 33 nautical miles off the Helgeland coast. There are settlements here that date back to the stone-age some 9000 years ago and the town is home to the country’s oldest fishing village. 

Cross over the Arctic circle today, passing Vikingen island and the Arctic circle Globe monument. The Arctic circle is a constant line on the map but its exact altitude always depends on the Earth’s tilt and its relation to the tidal forces from the moon. This causes the magical line to drift North about 14 metres every year!

Our next stop is a plethora of skerries, with islands of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. The coastline surrounding Sandessjøen are great for relaxed coastal exploration with the boats kayaks or SUP’s. Sailing on to the mountain formation of Hestmannen (the Horseman) throws us back to ancient legend and folklore where it is once said a troll froze to stone to become a mountain. According to Norse mythology, the rider Hestmannen shot an arrow that pierced a hole straight through the middle of Toghatten mountain. Both Hestmannen and Torghatten are visible on the sail between Sandessjøen and Bodø.

Making our way back to Bodø is a final chance to soak in the stunning scenery surrounding us from the water. Enjoy the boats on board hot tub as we make our sail back to up to Bodø.

This trip is covered by our Package Travel Regulations. Minimum passenger = 4

If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 45 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled, but in most cases, we are still able to run the tour without additional charges, and may ask for your cooperation to make modifications to your tour itinerary, but keeping the original tour start and end dates. When the number of participants is below the critical level, we will inform you 6 weeks prior to the departure date and consult you with your options, which can include additional supplements for the cabins (depending on the number of participants).

If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking and the remaining balance that was paid 90 days prior to the departure date. We cancel because it is both financially and ecologically unsustainable to do a cruise with too few participants. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. 

All voyages for Stella Oceana

Stella Oceana

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Gaff Ketch

A custom-built charter yacht, Stella Oceana is the perfect boat for sailing and exploring the beautiful remote island and fjords of Norway. Based in Tromsø and Svolvær, she sleeps 8 guests in private cabins offering individual voyages and whole boat charter holidays in Norway. Explore the remote islands of Lofoten and the breathtaking Arctic fjords in utmost comfort.

Built in 1991 using the 40T keel from her predecessor Anna Marie of Donsö (a Swedish cargo ship), Stella Oceana has spent the past 30 years sailing in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. She’s a beautiful example of Scandinavian craftsmanship with hardwood and metal used throughout her hull, deck and interiors. Her slim but heavy build offers a stable, slow and smooth sailing experience and her 1C ice classification means she can sail through ice up to 50 cm thick! Her unique design allows her to explore the more remote islands and fjords that are not accessible to the larger, more common small cruise ships. 

The resident Captain of Stella Oceana, is a world class sea Captain with the highest international designation by SOLAS, the United Nations International Maritime Organisation. His partner takes care of the front of house operations aboard, ensuring guests have a first class, professional and relaxed experience. With a further two crew on hand, you don’t have to have any previous sailing knowledge, just let the crew take you to discover some of the most beautiful places in Scandinavia.

Read more about the crew here 

BELOW DECKS

There are two exterior deck levels with plenty of space for relaxation. The main deck is perfect for taking in the view, practicing yoga or even unwind in the boats very own hot tub! The upper deck level has an outdoor kitchen and dining area – a great spot to enjoy any fresh fish you’ve caught! 

Below decks, she has a large saloon with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. There are two twin cabins and a larger four-berth cabin that works well for families or groups of friends. For only 8 berths on a 100ft vessel, Stella Oceana gives guests a spacious, relaxed sailing experience. Her voyages are focussed on the beautiful landscapes, fjords and coastline of Norway with plenty of time to explore ashore. 

Read more about what to expect from life on board here

Life on board

Our sailing holidays in Norway on Stella Oceana are of wonderful, unique and awe-inspiring encounters. Immerse yourself into the natural, dramatic landscapes of the Norwegian fjords, islands and coastline as you experience living as a community aboard this purpose-built charter boat. Her sailing voyages are a social activity, meeting new people or sharing amazing memories with friends and family.

RELAX IN NATURE

Soaking in the natural wonders of Norway while relaxing in pure comfort is at the top of Stella Oceana’s offering. From the hot tub on deck (yes, you read that right!), to an outdoor kitchen for cooking our very own catch of the day (fishing rods/lines are included if you fancy a go) to a spacious saloon below decks, there are plenty of opportunities to relax under sail. There are also two kayaks and two stand-up paddle-boards for guests to use so you can explore the nooks and crannies of the coastline.

The professional crew are always on-hand to provide a high quality service to guests. Stella Oceana does have a gaff ketch rig but the majority of her fjord sailing will be done under motor due to the changeable wind directions. For longer sailing voyages along the Norwegian coast, there will be more opportunities to sail. The crew welcome guests to get involved if they would like to but this is not at all expected. The only expectation is that guests have the most relaxing adventure in Norway!

SLEEPING & RELAXATION

Both above and below decks, Stella Oceana is not short of comfortable spaces to relax in. The exterior deck is split into two levels. The upper deck has seating for al-fresco dining under the stars and an outdoor kitchen for BBQ feasts. The main deck is home to the boats pièce de résistance – a hot tub. Channel your inner Wim Hof with a quick Arctic dip before retreating to the warmth of a luxury 6-person hot tub on deck. Guests are also invited to practice yoga, meditation or just simply sit back and soak in the breath-taking views.

Below decks, the space continues with a high-ceiled large saloon housing a dining area, large corner sofa, bar, coffee machine and even WIFI. The private cabins are made up of two twin bunks and a four-berth cabin all sharing a shower and toilet. Each cabin has wardrobe storage space, adjustable heating and a natural light hatch with all linen and towels included.

FOOD & DRINK

Inspired by northern Norwegian traditions, the menu is ever-changing while using local, ethical, fresh and organic produce. A popular activity aboard is to run fishing rods and lines while moving through the fjords so anything we catch can be served up fresh for dinner! There is a dedicated chef on board to cook all meals with snacks, hot drinks, juices and clean arctic water available throughout the day and all included in your ticket price. An onboard bar sits to the end of the saloon with alcoholic drinks on a tab system.

Climate

Although high in the Arctic circle, you’ll experience mild summer temperatures of up to 29°C thanks to warm gulf stream currents with 24 hours of golden daylight under the midnight sun between June to September.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of boats kayaks, stand-up paddle-boards and fishing rods/lines

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Alcohol – there is a fully stocked honesty bar on board. Just add to your tab and pay at the end of the voyage.
• All 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 not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot/soft drinks)

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes we can cater for most diets, please check at time of enquiry.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/Norwegian/Japanese

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 2x twin bunk cabins and 1x 4-berth bunk cabin

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  one for guests, one shared with the boat

• Is there WIFI?

  Yes, although please bear in mind that it can be intermittent at sea!

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  Yes, thermal suits are provided.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a need for adventure.

• 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. Ginger tea and biscuits also help with sea sickness.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and shower towels are included.

Travel Planning

From: Bodø, Norway

To: Bodø, Norway

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

Getting There

BY AIR

Fly from London Heathrow to Oslo, Norway OR Helsinki, Finland and then change to Bodø. Total travel times depending on the stopover are between 5-9 hours.

Once in Bodø, the airport is only a ten minute transfer to the harbour. The boat can help arrange this.