Svalbard Sailing Explorer: Arctic Wildlife Expedition

All voyages for Valiente

Valiente

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff

Deck plan

Life on Board Valiente

You don’t need any experience to join Valiente’s expedition sailing holidays, just a love for the natural world and a real sense of adventure.

Getting Involved

Sailing with Valiente is a real hands-on, humbling experience as you work with the crew and fellow guests to navigate the Arctic wilderness together. Get stuck into all aspects of life on board, from taking the helm, setting & trimming the sails, basic sail theory and domestic duties.

The skipper and first mate, (plus a dedicated guide for Svalbard sailing voyages) will be onboard for the duration of Valiente’s sailing holidays. Along the way, preferably by sailing but sometimes under motor, we will include all guests in the sailing experience. 

The physical sailing of Valiente is relatively straightforward so she’s a great boat to learn on if you haven’t sailed before. Her simple rig has three sails; the main, genoa and jib, all working off a winch system. The wheelhouse is set at deck level, with a modern navigation system. You can take the helm, working with the skipper to watch your course. The crew that sail in these waters are wildly 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 focussed sailing time but equally have the 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 just simply sit at the bows, watching, and reflecting as the world glides by. If Valiente 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.

Below Decks

Central heating runs continuously throughout the boat, (there’s even heated towel rails in all bathrooms and a heater in the wheelhouse) so she is wonderfully cosy! The spacious saloon and galley are set mid-ships with 360° windows at deck level – perfect for cooking with a view. The galley is well equipped with an induction hob, two domestic ovens, two fridge drawers and plenty of storage space.

All cabins have heating, comfy beds, thick duvets and wool blankets. Cabins are not allocated until all guests are booked and on board so that everyone is matched with the right size bed and right facilities for their needs!  A small bath towel is provided per person but you’ll need to bring an extra hand towel or swim towel if you wish.

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. It may not be possible to shower every day, but more or less every other day we are either in a harbour with fresh water or we sail through a place where we can borrow showers or enjoy a sauna. A morning swim in the sea is free and is available all year round!

Naomi from the VentureSail team sailed with Valiente in Norway – you can read her blog here for an insight into her experience! 

Eating Aboard

Aside from setting the sails and taking the helm, the next most important aspect of Arctic sailing on Valiente is 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 already planned out with all the provisions on board. The menu plan is entirely flexible depending on the plan for the day, maybe you catch a fish or maybe the more confident cooks will want to experiment a little! Alongside the menu plan, there is a correlating 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.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Night-watches?

Kit List

Valiente has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack. We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers.

1) Dress in layers. In polar regions, it is advised to use the 3-layer principle: a base layer, a warm mid layer, and a water-repellent outer layer.

2) Don’t overdress. If it is too warm you start sweating which can cool you down too much.

3) Use natural materials such as wool. Avoid cotton. Synthetic fabrics designed for cold weather are also good.

4) Be careful with down, when it gets wet it loses all its insulation value. Primaloft or polar fleece are good options.

5) Wear loose layers. Insulation is pockets of hot air, so if you dress without room for those air pockets to fill with warm air it can be cold.  Only the base layer can be a snug fit, but make sure it is not hindering your blood flow. Avoid super tight shoes and socks.

6) Keep hands and feet dry. You usually lose a lot of heat via your extremities (hand and feet). Mittens are always warmer than gloves. Make sure there is a waterproof outer layer.

7) Wear a hat! A lot of lost body heat can come from your head. By making sure that your head is warm you will also notice a difference for the rest of your body.

Don’t forget the wind! Wind chill can make 0 degrees feel like -20. So make sure your outer layer is both wind and waterproof.

FOOTWEAR

• Rubber boots (VERY IMPORTANT) We request that you bring a pair of knee-high rubber boots. These boots will be used in virtually all shore landings. Pull-on rubber and completely waterproof boots of at least midcalf height with a strong, ridged non-skid sole is ESSENTIAL for landings. We often walk in water and on icy, slippery surfaces, so even standard snow boots, hiking boots, and low rubber boots are unsatisfactory.
• Sturdy hiking boots are optional. Most hikes/landings will be done with rubber boots. Occasionally, people switch to hiking boots.
• Comfortable shoes are useful to wear around the ship.

CLOTHES

• T-shirts to wear inside the vessel, as temperatures are comfortably warm
• Warm pants or even ski pants, which can be worn over long underwear. Thick ski pants can be too warm for long hikes but are great on deck.
• Waterproof trousers, such as Gore-Tex, to be worn over regular pants.
• Thermal underwear of wool, silk or polypropylene
• Sweaters or polar fleece jacket of medium weight.
• Turtlenecks work well as extra layer.
• Mittens and gloves (and more than one pair), such as thin wool or polypropylene gloves that can be worn underneath your mittens
• Woollen hat and scarf to protect your ears and neck
• Warm socks that are tall and sturdy, layered over a thinner pair of silk, polypropylene, or wool socks. We prefer wool since it does not contain any odour.
• Waterproof/windproof jacket (waterproof above all) with an attached hood that can be worn over your underlayers with reasonable comfort

ACCESSORIES

• Waterproof (or resistant) backpack with shoulder straps for keeping your hands free and your camera (and other gear) dry
• Earplugs, in case you share your cabin with a snorer or the engine is on
• Sunglasses of good quality, as the glare from the water and surrounding snow/ice can be severe even when the sky is overcast
• Binoculars for viewing all the beautiful landscapes and wildlife
• Camera with plenty of memory cards or film
• Head-lamp for spring or autumn trips aboard Valiente

Sample Menu for Valiente

This is an example of what could be served while sailing with Valiente. There is not a dedicated cook on board Valiente. 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

We usually have fish burgers on the first evening, as this is a simple meal to make on the first night, and it has been a SeilNorge tradition to start the trip with fish burgers for many years. Sometimes we go out for dinner on land (each guest pays for themselves) on the final evening of the trip, if we are back in the harbour in time. But this is up to the individual group of guests. Other times we might also go out for dinner on land the day the trip has ended, if people are still in town!

Snacks

We provide a small amount of snacks for the trip, but we usually suggest that guests bring some of their snacks as well, especially for trips on land (nuts, cookies, chocolate, chips, dried fruit, crackers, etc.). It is always fun when people bring a little something from their home country to share with the rest of the crew. Guests are also welcome to supplement with other food items if they have very specific wishes or needs that we are not able to cater to.

What’s included

• Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, 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
• Fishing equipment
• Use of the on board small sailing dinghy for extra practice!
• Survival Suit and Search & Rescue insurance for everyone on board

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Wetsuits
• Waterproofs > Guests can rent oilskins from us for 500NOK per trip, per person
• Swim towel
• Any 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
• Any meals ashore

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 no more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• 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?

  3x double cabins, 1x twin bunk cabin, 1 x quad bunk cabin.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have portholes and deck hatches.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  The three double cabins have en-suites and the twin cabins share a bathroom.

• 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, Valiente 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?

  12v charging available 24/7 in every cabin and 220 EURO 2pin when connected to shore power/generator.

• 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?

  Valiente 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?

  Valiente has folding kayaks and hand fishing lines.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Longyearbyen

To: Longyearbyen

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

GETTING THERE

Longyearbyen, Svalbard

AIR

There are several flights a day into Longyearbyen Airport from Oslo and Tromsø in Norway. Your easiest route from the UK to Longyearbyen (LYR) Airport, Svalbard is from London Heathrow via Oslo. 

The airport shuttle service stops at all hotels in the centre.

Taxis and buses meet each incoming /outgoing flight, even the ones in the middle of the night and will stop at the marina on request.

STAY

There are lots of places to stay. Try: Gjesthuset 102 ; a former coal miners barracks. Basecamp Hotel, Hotell Polfareren, Mary-Ann’s Polarrigg or Funken Lodge.

**Please note that you need a guide to travel anywhere outside the town of Longyearbyen due to the risk from polar bear.**