Plans for 2012 & 2013

We are a small tour operator specializing in sailing the High Arctic. We tend to work with groups but also offer trips for individual travellers.

All trips have their own character, some use the boat as a base camp and move from one location to the next to explore the scenery, go on hikes, explore historical sites and look for wildlife. But on other trips the sailing gets more important as we cross to Greenland.

You do not need any sailing experience to join our trips. The crew will sail the boat but you are welcome to take part in the sailing.

Sailing trips Arctic summer 2012

For 2012 our plans are quite different from the last years. Jonathan III with Mark as skipper will sail the North-West Passage. Starting from Longyearbyen in May this epic voyage will take him and Jonathan III to Iceland – West Greenland – North West Passage (Northern Canada) – Alaska ending in British Colombia.

For the charters in Spitsbergen Jonathan IV and the Anne Margaretha will be sailing. Anne Margaretha is a 22m long steel build charter boat that has made some great voyages. As far as Antarctica in the past but now sails in Svalbard waters

Design your own trip

Over the years more and more of our trips are organized in cooperation with our guests. Either touroperators, likeminded people or groups of friends. They come up with their specific idea. Than we work out a trip together based on our knowledge of the area and the experience we build up over the last 10 years. This in close cooperation with the skippers of the Anne Margaretha and Jonathan IV.

In 2012 we cannot offer you any Ski–Sailing trips but are planning those again for 2013, both in Northern Norway and in Spitsbergen. So this year there will be no schedule on the website but we ask you to contact us so that we can see what we can do. It is different for Jonathan III though, because he is going to sail the North West Passage!!

In 2013 Jonathan III will be sailing in British Colombia and Anne Margaretha will do the Svalbard charters. In British Colombia it will be a combination of sailing and hiking. It is a spectacular landscape and the sailing can be quite challenging due to narrow passages and strong currents. It will be mostly inshore sailing. If interested either as a small group or as an individual do let us know. We will put you on our mailing list for these trips so you will get the latest news.

The climate
So high in the Arctic, Svalbard has a very special climate, the Gulf Stream is pushing
warm water to the north, summer and winter. That makes vegetation and animal life
possible that you would not expect at a 1000 kilometres of the Pole. The warm
Gulf Stream runs north on the west side of the islands so that in Hindelopenstreet and
father east it will always be a little colder than in the west. The low humidity
makes it that you will feel less cold but with a bit of wind you will be happy to wear your
long woollen underwear. We will experience 24 hours of daylight, which makes the
sailing time very flexible. Anchorages can be approached all hours of day and night.

Small groups, bigger experience
Since we are in a small group we can be much more flexible and there are no queues. It will give us better opportunities to encounter wildlife and visit places where the big boats cannot go. Although the Jonathan’s are excellent sailing boats, we will use them often as a base camp when sailing around Spitsbergen. Next to the sailing in the Arctic there are many historical remains from the whaling and trapping period. The scenery and animal life are so special that we are still impressed ourselves. This year there is more variety in the trips than before, for we are sailing with small groups we can be flexible with dates or sailing area to meet your special wishes. We try not to overload the schedule; it is silly to race around the islands when you are having your holidays. If you have time you can experience nature more and see more wildlife while others pass in a hurry.

Vulnerable landscape
Landscape and animal life in the Arctic are very vulnerable and even minor disturbances can cause permanent damage. The cultural remains of the old trapper huts, graves, boilers, mines etc. are protected. It speaks for itself that the intention of your visit is to take good care that you can leave with good memories without leaving a trail of your visit.
We will inform you on the rules as made by Sysselman, the governors, concerning tourism on Svalbard.

Jonathan III
Jonathan is a 15 meter long Koopmans design, specially designed and built for the
Arctic. A comfortable ship, well insulated with a large heater in the salon. Standing
headroom even for tall persons throughout the ship and long berths. A ship to be
comfortable on. Next to skipper and crew (on some trips) we have maximal 6 guests.
You do not have to cook but your help will be much appreciated with the daily chores

Jonathan IV
Originally Jonathan IV is one of the Challenge 67 boats built for sailing around the world the wrong way. So he is very strongly built with all equipment made to last under adverse conditions. In 2008/09 the boat had an extensive refit to make it a comfortable sailor with a deck salon. So now you can see the snow capped mountains while sitting at the dinner table. He is 20,5 meters long, will have 2 crew and the number of guests is limited to 10. The boat is very suitable for expeditions, scientific work and longer trips for we can take on large stores, 2000 litres of fuel and with the water maker next to 1100 litres of water tanks we have an almost unlimited range. The boat is build under MCA rules and holds the certificate for unlimited ocean sailing.

What are the costs?
For these trips we charge around € 220 per persoon per day or part thereof. This includes food, hot drinks, diesel and harbour fees. Alcoholic beverages will be served on board at a moderate price. The trips start and end on the dates in the schedule. We often have contact with our guest concerning flying times.

Clothing
You will need good wind and waterproof clothing. We use thin outer clothing and fill up with plenty of layers underneath depending on the weather. We use woollen underwear and woollen socks for they stay fresh longer than other fibers. Good wind and waterproof clothing is essential to stay comfortable under adverse conditions. Good shoes are important too, waterproof high boots are best. Or else Wellingtons will do for getting in and out of the dinghy. Bring some soft, indoor shoes or sandals along for use inside or on deck, so that the hiking boots can stay in storage in the cockpit. A cap, gloves and a warm collar complete your outfit. A good warm sleeping bag is ok, the heater will do the rest. Please do not take large/solid suitcases for this trip for they are difficult to store on board.

Choose one of the trips to see more information about the program and pictures of the area.

Hope to meet you on board,

Greetings from Longyearbyen
Mark