Sunbeam

Sunbeam is a historic 1905 gaff-rigged ketch offering traditional sailing adventures in Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago. This 30-meter vessel takes just 10 guest crew on island-hopping voyages through natural harbours, rocky islands, and sheltered anchorages. No sailing experience is required—the crew teach traditional ketch sailing while you explore one of Europe’s most beautiful sailing grounds. With comfortable berths, well-equipped galley, and opportunities for swimming, berry picking, and exploring uninhabited islands, Sunbeam combines authentic Swedish sailing culture with hands-on seamanship.

Sailing with Sunbeam offers a comfortable onboard experience suitable for those with normal mobility. The accommodation features six single berths, two sleeping lofts for two, and two alcoves for 1-2 people, each equipped with a pillow, blanket, and storage, but guests must bring their own pillowcases, sleeping bags and towels.

The ship includes a well-equipped galley, dining areas, and a barbecue on deck. There are two toilets, one with washing facilities. Meals (including vegetarian options) are provided, along with non-alcoholic drinks.* Sunbeam often anchors in natural harbours, offering opportunities for swimming, berry picking, and enjoying the scenery.

*There are strict laws surrounding alcohol in Sweden, including while sailing. A note from the Sunbeam team: Due to the Swedish state monopoly we are not allowed to have alcoholic beverages for purchase. We will have a selection of low alcohol beer (2.8-3.5% vol) and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks of choice. Alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in moderation when docked, as per the skipper’s discretion. Strict sobriety is required for all involved in sailing or motoring. Smoking is restricted to specific outdoor areas.

View Voyages

Ship Stats

Length Overall

30m

Length On Deck

23.9m

Year Built

1905

Vessel Type / Rig

Gaff rigged ketch

Guest Berths

10

Crew Berths

2-3

Sailing on Sunbeam

All about Sunbeam

Sailing with Sunbeam

Life on Board: Comfort Meets Adventure The vessel is designed to ensure that you live onboard comfortably, irrespective of the weather. While normal mobility is necessary, there are no stringent physical requirements to participate in Sunbeam’s voyages.

Accommodation: Accommodations onboard Sunbeam are thoughtfully designed. The passenger space includes six single berths, two sleeping lofts for two people each, and two sleeping alcoves suitable for 1-2 people. These bunks are separated by curtains, ensuring privacy. Each berth is equipped with a pillow, blanket, and sufficient storage compartments for small personal items. Please note, guests are required to bring their own sleeping bags, pillowcases and towels. There are no cabins as such.

Staying Connected: Sunbeam has a 230 V charging station, suitable for UK phones that use 240 V. This ensures that your mobile phones are always charged and you remain connected even as you sail (if you want to be, of course! You can always switch it off.)

Kitchen and Dining Areas: The kitchen on Sunbeam is well-equipped with modern amenities like hot and cold water, fridge, freezer, gas stove with oven, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Below deck, there’s a spacious dining area, perfect for enjoying meals together. For those beautiful days and evenings, the deck also features dining areas and a barbecue.

Hygiene: Sunbeam is equipped with two toilets, one of which includes a place to wash. Showers are available when she moors at a marina for the night (approximately half of the time), and when anchored or moored in a beautiful natural harbour, there’s always the chance for a swim!

Food and Drinks: Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and evening snacks, prepared considering diverse dietary preferences. The food primarily revolves around a vegetarian base, supplemented with options like meat, fish, and cheese. The communal cooking approach means that vegetarians and others can prepare and enjoy meals together.

Sobriety and Smoking: Safety and comfort are paramount on Sunbeam. The vessel enforces a strict sobriety policy while sailing or motoring, in line with the alcohol level regulations for driving. A note from the Sunbeam team: “Due to the Swedish state monopoly we are not allowed to have alcoholic beverages for purchase. We will have a selection of low alcohol beer (2.8-3.5% vol) and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks of choice. Alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in moderation when docked, as per the skipper’s discretion. Strict sobriety is required for all involved in sailing or motoring. Smoking is restricted to specific outdoor areas, considering the wind direction, to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers.

Exploring Natural Harbours: One of the highlights of sailing with Sunbeam is the opportunity to explore natural harbours. These stopovers allow you to swim, pick berries, stroll around, or simply soak in the beauty of your surroundings. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature and fellow travellers in a meaningful way.

When you can sail on Sunbeam

Sunbeam sails a focused programme within the Stockholm Archipelago. Voyages are shaped by conditions and season, and current availability is listed below.

Typically she sails during the northern summer high season.

Ship specification

 

Length overall:   31 m

length on deck:   24 m

Beam: 5.9 m

Draft:   2.65 m

Sail Area:   270 sq m

Guest crew: 10

Professional Crew: 2-3

Sunbeam Layout

Sunbeam accommodation.

FAQs for Sunbeam

Is Sunbeam suitable for people new to sailing?

Yes—no sailing experience is required. The crew will teach you traditional gaff ketch sailing as you explore Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago. While normal mobility is necessary to move around the vessel, there are no stringent physical requirements. You’re not just a passenger but part of the sailing journey. The crew will show you how to handle the gaff rig while you enjoy island-hopping through natural harbours, rocky islands, and sheltered anchorages in one of Europe’s most beautiful sailing grounds.

What are the sleeping arrangements on Sunbeam?

Sunbeam has accommodation for 10 guests including six single berths, two sleeping lofts for two people each, and two sleeping alcoves suitable for 1-2 people. There are no private cabins as such—sleeping areas are separated by curtains, balancing privacy with a sense of community. Each berth has a pillow, blanket, and storage for small personal items. Important: You must bring your own sleeping bag, pillowcase, and towels. A 230V charging station is available for UK phones (240V compatible). There are two toilets, one with washing facilities.

Where does Sunbeam sail in Sweden?

Sunbeam explores the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, anchoring in natural harbours surrounded by rocky islands. These serene stopovers offer opportunities to swim, pick berries, stroll around uninhabited islands, or simply soak in the beauty of Sweden’s maritime landscape. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature and fellow travelers while experiencing authentic Swedish sailing culture through traditional island-hopping voyages.

What food and drink policies apply on Sunbeam?

All meals are included—breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and evening snacks—prepared with diverse dietary preferences in mind. The food is primarily vegetarian-based, supplemented with meat, fish, and cheese options. There’s a well-equipped galley with hot and cold water, fridge, freezer, gas stove with oven, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Non-alcoholic drinks are provided. Due to Swedish state monopoly laws, alcoholic beverages cannot be sold on board, but guests can bring their own drinks. Low-alcohol beer (2.8-3.5% vol) is available. Alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in moderation when docked, at the skipper’s discretion. Strict sobriety is required for all involved in sailing or motoring.

What makes Sunbeam special as a historic vessel?

Built in 1905, Sunbeam is a traditional 30-meter gaff-rigged ketch that offers an authentic sailing experience. With 270 square meters of sail, she combines 119 years of maritime heritage with modern amenities—a spacious below-deck dining area, deck barbecue, and comfortable berths for just 10 guests with 2-3 crew. This intimate crew size ensures personal attention and creates a genuine community atmosphere. Enjoy good food (including deck barbecues), explore natural harbours, and create unforgettable memories in Sweden’s most beautiful waters.

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Voyages on Sunbeam

Sunbeam

Music, Bonfires and Full Sails – High Summer on Sunbeam | 8 nights

Embark

Sat 25-07-2026

Stockholm, Sweden

Disembark

Sun 02-08-2026

Stockholm, Sweden

Voyage has sailed

Sunbeam

Mid-August Sailing in the Stockholm Archipelago on Sunbeam | 8 nights

Embark

Sat 08-08-2026

Stockholm, Sweden

Disembark

Sun 16-08-2026

Stockholm, Sweden

Limited Spaces Available

From

£1399

Sunbeam

Fika and Rock Moorings – Sunbeam’s Late Summer Voyage | 8 nights

Embark

Sat 22-08-2026

Stockholm, Sweden

Disembark

Sun 30-08-2026

Stockholm, Sweden

From

£1399