Arctic Circle Sailing on a Tall Ship: Svalbard at the Polar Edge

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.

Sample menu

This is an example of what could be served while sailing with Goxsheim. There is no dedicated cook on board. Guests all take it in turns on a rotation basis to cook for the boat. This is an enjoyable part of sailing with Valiente as you make firm friends and experience recipes from around the world!

Breakfast

• Eggs, bacon, beans and toast
• Pancakes with jam and spreads
• Oatmeal with various toppings
• Bread and spreads
• Yoghurt and/or milk with cereal

Lunch

• Cauliflower or onion Soup
• Fish soup (using fish we’ve caught from our lines!)
• Cream porridge with cured meats
• Tomato soup and omelette
• Pancakes

Dinner

• Fish or veggie burgers
• Pasta with smoked salmon
• Chilli con carne
• Tacos
• Vegetable lasagne
• Bali chicken stew
• Salmon with root vegetables and sour cream
• Pasta bolognese with salad
• Sautéed reindeer stew
• Self-caught cod with pea puree

Dessert

• Fruit salad with vanilla sauce and firkløver chocolate
• Cream buns
• Sweet biscuits or chocolate