• Wave icon Trip Type: Offshore
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-75
  • Pin icon Region: Norway, Iceland & The Arctic
High

Adventure Rating:
High

Low to some

Experience Required:
Low to some

12 Days from £2,699

Dates, Prices & Travel

Offshore sailing adventure: Norway – Iceland

Take part in one of the most iconic sailing trips in the adventure sailing calendar as we sail between Arctic Norway and Iceland, crossing the Arctic Circle. The Norwegian coast is a UNESCO World Heritage area and one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. We will sail, explore, and train here before crossing the formidable Norwegian Sea for a 650-mile sail west. At or close to midnight sun, we sail in almost continuous daylight, with vast horizons and long-range seabirds and whales for company. This far north, there are no commercial ships except possibly a harder fisherman off the Norwegian or Icelandic coasts. We cross the Arctic Circle at sea, a special moment for any sailor. The towering, ice-capped mountains of the east coast of Iceland are a fantastic and welcome sight after 4-5 days at sea, and there will be some cruising and exploring to be done with the remaining time in our adventure.

This is an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage for those who sign on as a watch leader.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the offshore sailing experts?

Rubicon 3 are renowned as the offshore sailing experts, renowned in the sailing world for our extensive experience, comprehensive training, dedication to discovery, and fantastic sailing adventures. Our expert team, highly experienced sailors in ocean passage making, the Arctic, North Sea, and Norwegian Sea, offer hands-on instruction in all aspects of offshore sailing, catering to those new to offshore sailing and more seasoned sailors.

Our selection of unique bucket lists and less-traveled routes sets us apart, ensuring offshore sailing that’s both exhilarating and full of discovery. Our ethos is an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental sustainability, ensuring every voyage respects the sailors and the sea. Additionally, we are as focused on individual skill-building as a sailing school so that everyone is fully involved in every aspect of the passage. This holistic approach built Rubicon 3’s reputation as the go-to experts for anyone seeking the highest level of offshore sailing.

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see this trip’s dates. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

Get Ready For…

  • Norwegian coast
    World-famous Helgoland Coast

    Discover, explore, and train in one of the world’s most beautiful sailing areas prior to sailing across the Norwegian Sea.

  • sailing instruction
    Full involvement & expert tuition

    Whatever your prior sailing experience, you’ll be helming, navigating, trimming sails and anchoring from day one, all with the highest quality tuition from the expert Rubicon 3 instructors. The more you’re involved the better!

  • sailing yacht
    It’s genuine adventure sailing

    Rubicon 3 expeditions are far more than just a sailing vacation. They immerse you in adventure, discovery and enable you to explore the world under sail

Sailing Area

norway iceland sailing area map
norway iceland sailing route map
The Yachts
Key Information
What’s included

  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket

  • Sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included

  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas where required

  • Discretionary tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

The trip price is 5% less than we would normally charge. This is to allow you at the end of your adventure to offer a combined 5-10% tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they have delivered exceptional performance. This tip is entirely discretionary. See our FAQs here.

Got some questions?

Joining a big sailing adventure is a big thing, so don’t be surprised if you have lots of questions before you book. Who else joins, what to expect, and so many more queries are entirely normal. The home page has loads of info on this (scroll to the bottom), there are our FAQs and never hesitate to contact us by email, phone or live chat. The team are here to have a chat, discuss options, answer questions and help make sure you get on the exact right sailing trip for you.

Offshore sailing in the high latitudes is a serious undertaking and the emphasis will always be on a safe passage across the Norwegian Sea. As such, the exact itinerary is not set and will be determined at the time when looking at the weather and sea conditions. Here are some of the highlights.

Sailing & training in Arctic Norway

You will join the boat on the north west coast of of Norway, on one of the most beautiful and dramatic sailing grounds in the world. Above the Arctic Circle and bathed in near continuous daylight from being here on or close to the Midnight Sun, the expedition starts with briefings, familiarisation and training. We know most sailors will be rusty so there is zero pressure and we go through everything to ensure that all crew feel as comfortable as possible. There is unsurprisingly, a big focus on safety and we will discuss safe use of winches and equipment right through to recovering a casualty who has fallen overboard.

We will then slip lines and help everyone get up to speed with the fundamental manoeuvres, such as tacking, gybing and reefing. Even if you have sailed a lot before, it is still key to learn this boat and build a solid team with this crew. That first night, we will likely anchor in a beautiful spot such as Valvaer

norway anchorage

Exploring south down the Norwegian coast

Our usual route is then to spend the next 4-5 days sailing and exploring the Norwegian coast, heading south as we do. With the prevailing winds being south westerly, the further south we get the better the wind angle will be for the big crossing. However, as always, what we do in these days will be dictated by the weather at the time.

the next four days or so are usually a captivating exploration of this stretch of coast. There are almost limitless opportunities as we wind our way through islands and fjords and past vast mountains and wildlife habitats. Lovund, a picturesque island known for its puffin colonies and vibrant fishing community.

puffin

Day two, navigate to Træna, an archipelago offering breathtaking hikes and historical cave tours. The third day leads you to Rødøy, home to the iconic Rødøyløva mountain, promising unforgettable views.

norway hiking

Conclude your adventure in Sandnessjøen, exploring the charming town and its proximity to the legendary Seven Sisters mountain range, perfect for hiking enthusiasts seeking panoramic vistas.

Glacier norway

Offshore passage to east coast of Iceland

Our top priority is ensuring a safe passage north across the Norwegian Sea, with over 600nm to sail. (This is an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage for Watch Leader). It means we’ll be offshore for about four to five days and nights and must pick our weather window carefully. As we leave the west coast of Norway behind us, we’ll soon be sailing on the open ocean, and will need to adopt an offshore sailing watch system. Typically, this involves three hours on and six hours off, giving everyone ample opportunity to sail and rest.

sailing the bay of biscay

Offshore sailing means we must work closely with nature and adapt to whatever conditions she throws at us. This could mean fast downwind sailing, headwinds and rough seas, or periods of calm where we’ll drift slowly, waiting for the wind to pick up. Whatever we face, everyone on board takes turns to helm, trim sails, navigate, and cook meals.

atlantic ocean sailing

Arriving into Iceland

Before long, we’ll see the ice-capped mountains and vast fjords of the east coast of Iceland appear over the horizon. It’s an exhilarating sight but we have to approach with care for this coast is notorious and offers little shelter. If we have made good time sailing across the Norwegian Sea, we will have some time for cruising and exploring her, with Nordfjord a favourite for its hot springs and wonderful views. Eventually, we will turn into Seyfisfjordur itself for the end of this unique offshore sailing adventure.

 

Seydisfjordur

The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter

This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation on a private yacht but a proper sailing adventure. 

  1. Tailored Experience: Unlike many yacht charters, the Rubicon 3 team works daily to tailor the experience to your interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkeling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
  2. Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 has extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure. 
  3. Learning Opportunities: Sailing this route with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.

 

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

August 5, 2024
Bodo, Norway

End Date & Location

August 16, 2024
Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Price

£2,699

Deposit

£1,350

Availability

Available

Booking Information
Trip Information

Start Date: August 5, 2024

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: Bodo, Norway

Start Port: Bodo

Start Marina: Bodo

End Date: August 16, 2024

End Time: 10:00

End Country: Seydisfjordur, Iceland

End Port: Seydisfjordur

End Marina: Seydisfjordur

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Bodo (IATA Code: BOO)
Fly Out of: Egilsstaðir Airport (IATA Code: EGS)
Search on Google Flights

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Bodo, Norway.
  • It is scheduled to be in Bodo Marina.
  • It is easy to get here from Bodo Airport.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on August 5th 2024, so you will need to be in Bodo by August 04th, 2024.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in Bodo.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Seydisfjordur, Iceland
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into Seydisfjordur on the evening of August 15th, 2024, and you will need to disembark by 09:00 AM, August 16th, 2024.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel from Iceland or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

Start Date & Location

August 18, 2025
Bodo, Norway

End Date & Location

August 29, 2025
Seydisfjordur, Iceland

Price

£2,699

Deposit

£1,350

Availability

Available

Booking Information
Trip Information

Start Date: August 18, 2025

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: Bodo, Norway

Start Port: Bodo

Start Marina: Bodo

End Date: August 29, 2025

End Time: 10:00

End Country: Seydisfjordur, Iceland

End Port: Seydisfjordur

End Marina: Seydisfjordur

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: Bodo (IATA Code: BOO)
Fly Out of: Egilsstaðir Airport (IATA Code: EGS)
Search on Google Flights

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in Bodo, Norway.
  • It is scheduled to be in Bodo Marina.
  • It is easy to get here from Bodo Airport.
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on August 18th 2025, so you will need to be in Bodo by August 17th, 2025.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB in Bodo.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Seydisfjordur, Iceland
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into Seydisfjordur on the evening of August 28th, 2025, and you will need to disembark by 09:00 AM, August 29th, 2025.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel from Iceland or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
Add Trip Extras

Sub total:

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