Cross the Northwest Passage as crew on a true Arctic expedition
This is a rare opportunity to sail one of the world’s most legendary routes as part of a small expedition crew.
Crossing from Greenland to Alaska, this 45-day voyage follows the storied Northwest Passage through ice-laden channels, remote fjords, and vast Arctic wilderness.
With only space for six guest crew, life on board is hands-on and immersive. Guests join watch rotations, help sail the custom-designed yacht, and contribute to daily life at sea, gaining a real understanding of high-latitude seamanship. Alongside the sailing, the journey is enriched by historical storytelling, Arctic context, and the chance to take part in a professionally filmed documentary capturing the expedition.
- Sail the full Northwest Passage in a small crew under the guidance of an experienced ocean and Arctic Captain
- Take part in a real expedition documentary
- Learn Arctic history, exploration stories, and Indigenous context
- Navigate ice, fjords, and remote polar landscapes
- Experience true expedition sailing rather than passive travel
Expect long days, shifting conditions, and true unpredictability — balanced by deep camaraderie, meaningful challenge, and the privilege of experiencing one of the planet’s last great wildernesses from the water.
This is a fully participatory expedition. Everyone on board is part of the working crew.
Daily life includes watchkeeping, steering, sail handling, navigation support, cooking, and general onboard tasks. Rotating schedules ensure both shared responsibility and periods of rest or personal time.
No prior sailing experience is required, but a willingness to contribute, learn, and adapt is essential. The experience is as much about teamwork and resilience as it is about the destination.
Enquire for full details and suitability.
Why you'll love this adventure
- A genuine, hands-on Arctic sail expedition — This is NOT a cruise
- Exceptionally small group for a deeply personal experience
- The rare chance to cross the Northwest Passage under sail
Dates
Itinerary
The route follows the classic Northwest Passage westward from Greenland, entering the Canadian Arctic through Lancaster Sound and continuing via remote channels, straits, and historic waterways shaped by ice and exploration. Stops, landings, and progress depend entirely on weather and ice conditions. Flexibility is essential, and each voyage unfolds differently. Enquire for full routing details.
What's included
- 45-day expedition sailing across the Northwest Passage
- Accommodation on board in a shared twin cabin
- Guidance and leadership from highly experienced captain and crew
- Hands-on sailing experience and seamanship training
- Participation in watchkeeping, navigation, and daily vessel operations
- Historical briefings and storytelling throughout the voyage
- Opportunity to contribute to onboard research, observation, or personal projects
- Participation in a professionally filmed documentary (including interviews if desired)
- All onboard safety equipment and safety training (including drills)
- Use of onboard facilities including heating, water-maker, power supply, and shared living spaces
Not included
- International and domestic flights to/from Nuuk (Greenland) and Nome (Alaska)
- Travel visas and personal documentation
- Personal travel, medical, evacuation, and accident insurance (mandatory)
- Personal clothing and specialist gear for Arctic conditions
- Personal expenses and discretionary spending
- Any required pre-expedition training or preparation sailing
- Additional accommodation before embarkation or after disembarkation
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
A 64ft custom-built steel expedition yacht, designed for long-range sailing in some of the world’s most demanding environments. With a wide beam and reinforced hull built to icebreaker-level standards, she offers exceptional stability, safety, and space for a vessel of her size — purpose-built for high-latitude exploration.
On deck, generous walk-around side decks and a spacious cockpit (seating up to ten) create a comfortable environment for life at sea, while shaded areas offer protection during long days on passage. Below deck, the yacht is fully insulated and equipped with central and underfloor heating, ensuring a warm, dry interior even in polar conditions.
Accommodation is for just six guests in three twin cabins, each with sea-going berths, personal storage, ventilation, and fans. Two shared bathrooms provide hot freshwater showers, supported by a high-capacity water maker. The saloon is a bright, communal space for meals, planning, and downtime, while multiple power outlets and onboard systems (including solar and generator) support extended off-grid living.
This is expedition-focused comfort — practical, thoughtfully designed, and exceptionally capable in remote and cold environments.
Meals
Meals are prepared collectively on board, with shared galley duties as part of daily life.
Who is this trip for?
- Adventurous travellers seeking hands-on expedition experience
- Those curious about sailing, but not requiring prior experience
- Individuals comfortable with physical activity and shared responsibility
- Travellers open to remote environments and extended time at sea
Additional notes
Your safety is our highest priority. Sailing through the Arctic demands preparation, professionalism, and respect for the elements, and the vessel has been built and equipped to the highest standards for polar operations.
Onboard Safety
The vessel has been surveyed and approved by the Swedish Maritime Authority, with a strong steel hull with welds x-rayed to level 4, equivalent to icebreakers.
Before departure, all guests take part in mandatory safety drills, including fire, man overboard, and abandon ship procedures.
A 24/7 watch system ensures constant vigilance and safe navigation.
The yacht carries modern safety and communication equipment, including life rafts, immersion suits, EPIRBs, satellite communications, and full Medical Kit according to MCA regulations for ocean going vessels.
The crew is trained and experienced in operating in polar and demanding conditions, with training in first aid & CPR, psychological first aid, crisis management, and are prepared to guide and support you at all times.
Ashore Safety
Landings are always made in groups and supervised by the captain or first mate.
We will work closely with local communities, following customs and showing respect at all times.
In remote Arctic regions, polar bear encounters are a real possibility. To ensure safety, we follow strict wildlife protocols.
All shore visits are carefully timed and coordinated with the ship’s operations to ensure smooth return on board.
Full safety details are shared with confirmed applicants during the interview stage.
Tour operator
A small, owner-operated expedition yacht designed for true adventure, led by decades of high-latitude experience. Voyages are deliberately intimate, with just a handful of guests joining as active crew or relaxed explorers, depending on the journey. Expect hands-on sailing, remote anchorages, and rare access to some of the world’s most extraordinary polar regions, balanced with thoughtful guiding, strong seamanship, and the kind of authenticity that only comes from life spent at sea.
Enquire today
Sail the Northwest Passage 2027
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