Navigating the Northwest Passage is like embarking on a daring odyssey through icy realms, where the resolute spirit of explorers past whispers in the wind, urging you to conquer the frozen frontier and unveil the beauty of uncharted horizons.
One of our sailing partners is planning an extraordinary expedition through the Northwest Passage.
It’ll be an adventure that will redefine your concept of exploration.
The Northwest Passage, a fabled route less than 200 vessels have successfully navigated since 1906, awaits you. Now, you have the chance to join this elite group of explorers, but with a ground-breaking twist – you’ll embark on this epic journey aboard the world’s lowest environmental impact yacht.
Crafted by world-renowned experts in sustainable yacht design, this purpose-prepared vessel will feature 100% recyclable materials and zero fossil fuel consumption.
Take on a formidable 900-mile journey high up in the Arctic Circle, traversing shifting ice floes and narrow sea passages against the backdrop of the Arctic’s untouched beauty. Your odyssey begins in Nuuk, Greenland and concludes in Nome, Alaska – a 50-day expedition in August 2026 that is an authentic test of endurance and skill, and one of the last great exploration trips on the planet.
If selected, you’ll join a crew of ten, including six adventurers like yourself. This is not a leap into the unknown; it’s a carefully planned adventure with comprehensive training, including an ocean survival course and at least one multi-week qualifying Arctic circle passage, ensuring readiness for this ultimate challenge.
Your skipper will be Jim Dobie, a hugely experienced Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Examiner who has sailed almost every ocean of the world, leading expeditions to some of the remotest places including the Galapagos, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Tasmania. Jim is experienced, not only on, but also under water, as a Scuba Diving Instructor delivering expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef, Oceania and Asia. Jim has a long history of successful race campaigns including skipper for the 09-10 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, competed in five Sydney to Hobart races, two Fastnet races, Round Britain and Ireland Race and many other offshore race events. Jim will be supported by a fully qualified first mate on the trip.
Why you'll love this adventure
- Expert tuition and skipper
- A true sailing expedition on a first of its kind eco-yacht
- More people summit Everest than sail the Northwest Passage in a year
Dates
Itinerary
The plan is being put together and the crew will have a chance to contribute to all.
For full details please make an enquiry!
What's included
- Interview and acceptance on the crew (one of only six places)
- Automatic membership of “Expedition club” giving lots of benefits including 50% off all sailing trips organised by this operator
- Visit to Les Sables D’Olonne, see the yacht under construction (meet the designers and engineers behind the vessel)
- Place on the launch voyage of the vessel (expected Q1 2025)
- Qualifying passage – Oban to Lofoten Islands or other passage to high latitudes – Arctic training
- Ocean Survival Course to ensure you’re fully prepared for the voyage
- Your own specialist gear to keep (foulies)
- Attempt at the Northwest Passage itself
- All food and drink (non-alcoholic) on board
- Safety equipment including life-jackets
- Sailing instruction from a world leading skipper and first mate
- Arctic and high latitudes sail training
- Your own foul weather gear
Not included
- Sailing & Travel Insurance
- Transport to the boat
- Shore excursions
Trip notes
Price
Min age
Accommodation
The crew are securing a purpose built yacht expressly for the voyage. This will be fully fitted out with the latest safety and navigational aids. Enquire for full details!
FAQs
Is this adventure for me?
This is one of the world’s toughest challenges. The skipper will have an interview with you to get to know you better and chat through questions, concerns, etc. What they’re looking for:
Attitude
- Responsible and safety mindset
- Have a can-do attitude
- Committed to taking on the challenge
- Adaptable
- Calm under pressure
Experience
- Some sailing experience is required
- Recommended day skipper qualification or equivalent experience as a minimum
Attributes
- Female and Male crew are equally welcome
- Must be over 18 yrs (no max age!)
- Reasonably mobile –no need to be superfit!
- Must have English as a working language
- Special dietary requirements – no problem
- Medical needs such as Diabetes – no problem*
*provided they can be safely managed during an extended period away from support
Is sailing through the Northwest Passage guaranteed?
The Northwest Passage is the ultimate adventure, but it comes with no guarantees. While the skipper will plan meticulously, unexpected conditions like ice and weather can impact the journey. Our top priority is the safety of the crew and the vessel, so they won’t hesitate to return to a safe haven if conditions become risky. This isn’t the place to take unnecessary risks.
Can anyone join the North West Passage?
This operator typically welcomes adventurers of all experience levels on their trips. However, the Northwest Passage is an exceptional challenge. They will conduct interviews to ensure crew suitability. Ideal crew members have prior sailing experience including ocean passages, such as participation in the Clipper Race, the Fastnet or similar endeavours.
However, joining at Adventurer level doesn’t require previous sailing experience. There are opportunities for you to sail on this remarkable yacht, even if you have very limited prior sailing experience.
Tour operator
There are few places as wild and unexplored as the open ocean. And if you’re going to explore it you’ll want to do so with an accomplished and experienced skipper alongside you at the helm. The skippers bringing these small group (max 6 guests) ocean voyages to life have at least half a million nautical miles under their belts so you’ll be learning from the best. Think small groups, amazing destinations and incredible ocean experiences. Whether you want the mileage for an RYA Ocean qualification, the thrill of taking a small boat to incredible destinations or the privilege of a sailing masterclass with hugely experienced skippers by your side, they’ll make it happen.
Enquire today
North West Passage Yacht Expedition 2026
Please complete the enquiry form above with as much detail as you can and we will send you all the trip information and connect you with the operator so you can make a booking directly.
If you have queries and questions about the trip include those in your form and we’ll personally reply to you within 24 hours.
Why Book with Another World Adventures?
Book direct with the tour operator. No mark-ups, no fees.
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A most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable travel company!
Very helpful and provided lots of research material and excellent personal perspectives on the tall ship sailing trip I was interested in taking.— Martin
Excellent thoughtful service.
They were prompt and friendly, and so thorough and helpful in connecting me with my adventure.— Tina
One of a Kind Service!
From the very beginning of reaching out to AWA, they were super helpful, enthusiastic and informative.— Matt
