Calling all adventurers! ❄️🧭 Join an Arctic Expedition with the Tecla Crew through the Northwest Passage!
In 2019 and 2023, the Tecla crew successfully navigated through the ice and channels of the North West Passage. In 2019 they sailed from East to West. In 2023 they sailed from West to East. In 2025 Tecla will sail again from West to East through the North West Passage of Canada AND you can be part of her expedition crew.
Voyage
Vessel
Voyage Highlights
Sail the fthe legendary NW Passage to Beechey Island
Sail to the last known position of Franklin’s ships at 74 degrees North
Be part of a close knit crew where all participate to sail the ship
Realm of the Polar bear, Narwhal, seabirds & Beluga Whales
Landings of historic significance on Canada’s Arctic mainland and archipelagoes
Complex navigation, ice and weather to negotiate
Learn about a sea route quest that took 500 years to accomplish
In the Wake of Intrepid Explorers & the ghosts of those who perished
The attempt to sail the Northwest passage is a once in a lifetime experience. A long voyage of 52 days. Starting off in Dutch Harbor, you will first make your way to Nome. This will be the last harbor of America, where officials will stamp us out of the country. From there it will be over 1000 miles before entering Canada.
Ice reports and weather reports will be closely monitored as the Tecla and her crew get closer and closer to the edge of the ice.
The route to take will depend fully on the ice reports. Possible stops include Talayoak, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Resolute, Beechey Island, Pond Inlet, finishing your voyage in Greenland, Nuuk.
In 2019 the voyage Roald Amundsen made, was open to the Tecla. Although it took Roald Amundsen 3 years, it took the Tecla 50 days. In 2023 a route through Bellot Strait was possible. In 2025 it will different yet again.
Polar tall ship crew
So many variables make it into a complicated but amazing voyage, a life long memory, standing in places so little people have visited before. Seeing cairns left by explorers and walking along shores named after the greatest explorers the western world has known in seafaring.
As part of the expedition crew you will be part of a watch when there are night sails. During the days at anchor, you will be able to go a shore and explore by foot. As we are in polar bear country, you will have to stay with the guide at all times, for your own and others safety.
During the voyage you will be kept up to date on the ice situation with Ice Charts that are send to the ship. You will get several presentations on ice navigation, sailing the Tecla, the history of the Tecla, the different explorers of the North West Passage and much more.
Spend your free hours on deck spotting polar bears or find a snug corner to read a book downstairs. Central heating on board will keep you nice and warm, even if it cools down below zero outside. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
North West Passage Expedition from West to East Tecla
Following in the Footsteps of Intrepid Explorers
Captain of Tecla Gijs has been researching the North West Passage for some time. Now he has sailed through going westwards he is going to do it again going Eastwirds. Gijs is enthralled by the way that the Arctic has been explored and mapped, not just the North West Passage. He will be giving some presentations on board about all the different approaches to expeditions, land and sea travel and over wintering in this harsh environment. It is always interesting to debate the different styles and controversies around why Franklin failed and others like John Rae succeeded.
So many people from Naval Officers in search of glory, to Governments seeking a short cut to the Pacific have played their part in discovering a navigable North West Passage. The coastline was explored and mapped by Vikings, Inuit, fur traders of Hudson Bay, the Russians, the Europeans. Much of the expedition frenzy years were after Franklin’s expedition went missing in 1848 with two ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror and 129 crew lost. 11 ships went looking for them, and Lady Franklin exerted huge pressure on the British Establishment to find them, and substantial financial prizes to find the NW Passage.
Orcadian explorer John Rae is one of your captain’s unsung heroes. A Doctor from Stromness on Orkney, he went to work for the Hudson Bay Fur Company and learnt many things about travelling in the Arctic from the Inuit. It enabled him to discover Franklin’s fate and the likely missing link of the NW Passage. Unlike Sir John Franklin he was never given the recognition he deserved…and you will have to read a recent biography on him to realise why he fell foul of Victorian politics.
In 1906 the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was the first to complete a passage from Greenland right through to Alaska in a 45 ton sloop (gaff cutter) called Gjøa. The vessel was a wooden herring drifter which is fitting as Tecla is also an original Dutch herring drifter. Amundsen did take more than one season to get through.
A journey that will take you from the giant icebergs near Greenland to the challenge of constantly moving sea ice funnelled by the wind into bays and inlets. Tecla will cross Baffin Bay, sail along the wilderness coast of Baffin Island and into Lancaster Sound. Beechey Sound is somewhat of a pilgrimage for those interested in the fate of the Franklin Expedition as this is the last place his ships Terror and Erebus were seen.
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on Tecla’s last adventure here but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. In this part of the world, ice reports, wind direction and keeping a close lookout is vital.
Just like the North West Passage, this voyage much depends on the amount of ice that is met underway. This could mean you have to wait a day or two in a sheltered place before heading out into the open.
Some places you may visit.
Resolute Bay
Weather and Ice permitting other anchorages can be visited. Resolute can be attempted if the ice conditions are not too severe.
These anchorages are well into Polarbear territory. This does mean that any landing is done under guidance and with a gun. You will stay in groups and are not permitted to wonder too far from the group leader.
This voyages will be one with long sunsets and sunrises, as the sun will only disappear behind the horizon shortly when you set off from Ilulissat, Greenland. The most Northerly point of this voyage will be 74’45N!
Beechey Island, Erebus & Terror Bay
The anchorage at Beechey Island can be on the side of Erebus and Terror bay or on the side of Union Bay, both offering shelter from different directions. Depending on ice state and wind the anchorage will be chosen.
Landing on Beechey Island is done by dinghy, on shore the hike will take up half a day to visit all the sights on shore. One or two members of the crew will go ashore with you to show you all the best spots.
On board you will find many books that are worth a good read, but for this voyage the book Erebus, written by Micheal Palin, is a must read. One or two prints are on board for you to borrow as you make your way North.
The distinctive landmark of Terror and Erebus Bay
Pond Inlet
It is likely this expedition will stop at Pond Inlet to clear customs into Canada before setting off deeper into the North West Passage.
After the big icebergs around Greenland and in Disco Bay, the ice of Lancaster sound will be something very different. Wide patches of sea ice drift around. A close eye needs to be kept on the ice reports as well as outside and around the ship.
Explore Disko Bay in the West Greenland Arctic Circle
Departing from Illilissat, where huskies out number people, there should be time for one or two stops. There is a good possibility of spotting whales, so keep an eye out for them. But also at the threshold of the North West Passage, you will find an abundance in wildlife. There are Narwhale, Bearded Seals, Spotted Seals even Beluga whales to be spotted. On the ice or on shore one might spot a Polar bear, or muskoxen and Caribou.
navigating the sea ice on Tecla in West Greenland
What Wildlife Might I See
In August the remaining sea ice offers good opportunities to see polar bears. As you get into September the polar bears are starting to roam the beaches looking for stranded whales or birds to hunt.
In August the seabird chicks are hatching and learning to fly. They are preyed on by Gyr falcon, skuas, gulls and arctic fox. Seals and walrus can be seen hauled out on the remaining ice but by September they have moved to the beaches and rocks or are at sea hunting. Migrating Beluga and Narwhals keep heading North from West Greenland to stick with the edge of the sea ice. The North West passage is probably the only place far enough North to see them at this time of year.
There are often huge pods of Beluga in the estuaries of Somerset Sound. (source – Swoop Arctic).
Arctic birds and icebergs
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
Classic Sailing office team have sailed in Antarctica, East Greenland and Nova Scotia, but not the NW Passage or Bering Sea. Our best source of what it is really like is the sailors who were on Tecla in previous years.
We have the following useful publications, and will be reproducing the most useful snippets about weather and sea conditions.
Admiralty Sailing Handbook chapters on Ice navigation.
RCC Pilotage Foundation – Pilot Book for Arctic & Northern Waters
HANDS ON HOLIDAYS
Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.
SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD
We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.
Tecla on a sailing expedition in the Faroes
AGILITY & FITNESS – NW Passage
Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to the NW Passage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.
In response to the age and fitness restriction for the Tecla voyage – We know it may be a disappointing for some of you. The Tecla team didn’t make this decision lightly but the voyage is going to be quite the adventure, lasting 56 nights in some of the most remote places on the planet, and there may be some pretty challenging landscapes and conditions to contend with. There may be times when you’re several days away from emergency medical help, so we want to ensure everyone is fit and healthy enough to handle any potential difficulties. Rest assured that Tecla has all the necessary safety and medical equipment onboard to comply with legal regulations. Unfortunately, having a medical support team associated with the voyage is just not financially feasible. So, while we would love to have everyone on board, safety is our top priority. There are of course a variety of voyages on our website with no upper age limit at all!
Start & End Port
Dutch Harbor, Unalaska
Dutch Harbor (or just ‘Dutch’ to the locals) is the primary fishing port in the country and a fascinating place to spend time. The Unangan/Aleut people have resided here continuously for 9000 years, and on top of their indigenous culture are layers of Russian and American influence from the fur trade and fishing. Hiking and birdwatching are both fantastic, and there is a lot of naval history to be explored too.
Accommodation options are limited to one hotel–the Grand Aleutian Hotel–and a handful of bungalows and rentals, so if you’d like to spend time here it’s advisable to book ahead.
Nuuk, Greenland
Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and home to the majority of Greenlanders. It’s a fascinating place, and if you have time we’d highly recommend visits to the Nuuk Art Museum and the National Museum of Greenland. Also a great opportunity to sample some local cuisine like the dried fish, reindeer meat and crowberry desserts.
Kit List
Not all sailing areas require the same gear, the same foul weather equipment or even the same shorts. But some items you must always bring. In this kit list we hope to give you a small insight in what to bring, but of course, please consider this list might not encumber all that you would wish to take! Very important is that your bag or small suitcase needs to be stored in the room, under your bed, there is limited space – so bring a foldable bag! the following is Tecla's standard included/excluded and kit list. Below this you can find more specific info and kit lists dependant on sailing area.
What's Included (Standard)
Coffee and tea
Blanket, sheets, pillow and covers (for longer voyages there will be clean bed linen)
3-4 crew members guiding the group
1 towel
For longer voyages you can wash clothes once halfway through the voyage
What's not Included (Standard)
Soda and alcoholic drinks
Landing fees and Paid excursions ashore
Transfer to and from the vessel
Visa if needed
You can not wash clothes on board on shorter voyages
What should you always bring
Soap (preferably parabens and plastic free)
Tooth brush & Toothpaste
Comfortable clothing
Socks (at least until halfway through the voyage)
Underwear (at least until halfway through the voyage)
Binoculars (if you like bird watching, we have a pair on board, but it stays in the back close to the navigational area, it does not go on hikes)
Sunscreen
Photocamera (or you can ask other guests for their pictures)
Chargers for electrical equipment – there is 220v with central European plugs and a usb plug in the cabin
Day pack rug sack or small bag for hikes.
Water bottle for hikes
A good mood and an open mind
Passport
Visa if required
Valid Insurance papers
Personal Medicines
Seasickness pills if you need them
Ocean Crossing
When the ocean crossing is not part of the Southern Ocean sailing (so no South Georgia or Antarctica included) the crossings are usually in warm weather. Going from North to South, please be advised that the weather in the Falkland Islands is cool and wet! So also bring at least one set of warm clothing.
Waterproof jacket (can be sailing gear, but hiking gear, light weight jackets are very nice as well)
Waterproof pants
T shirts (at least 5)
Shorts (at least 2)
Long pants
Light / cool footwear with grip on deck (can be flipflops or sandles)
Waterproof boots / footwear
Swimming outfit
Sunhat
Merino wool thermal wear (can be light weight)
Water bottle (yes it said so in what always to bring, but during warm days, this is really a must!)
Greenland & Iceland
If there are any items you usually take on your hikes, and they are easy to take in your luggage, don’t forget to bring them!
Hiking waterproof pant
Hiking waterproof jacket
Wool sweater
A lightweight down jacket can be very nice
Warm head wear
Buff or neck scarf
Gloves against the cold, not necessarily for sailing
Long pants
T Shirt
Sweater
Merino Wool full under layer (at least 1 full set, depending on length voyage, 2 sets)
Falkland, South Georgia & Antarctica
On the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica there are different levels of Bio-Security we will have to comply with. To make it easy on yourself we recommend you bring one set of hiking gear that you would like to use on shore, that is completely cleaned at home. This means Velcro is cleaned and does not contain any seeds or pollen. Your pockets are empty of any seeds, pollen, sand etc. Your boots are cleaned, no sand or mud on them. This way, getting ready for the first landing becomes a walk in the park. For more information on Bio Security, please contact us.
These surroundings can be very cold, especially on longer watches. And also because these areas are protected, we ask you to take at least two sets of wet weather gear, with one of them at least completely clean. If you have sailing gear, perfect, but also bring some light weight, waterproof hiking gear. We recommend goretex pro of any brand. This is tough and durable. Often easy to clean and light weight.
For the cold
Merino wool 180/200gr thermal underwear (at least 3 sets)
Down jacket (if possible 800/900gr filling is the best)
Down jacket (700gr) or windstopper jacket
Woolen sweater
Warm head wear
Buff or neck scarf
Gloves against the cold, not necessarily for sailing (two pairs)
For the Rain
Waterproof footwear
Waterproof hiking footwear
Waterproof hiking jacket
Waterproof hiking pants
In the cold, making layers is important. If there is no rain, most 800gr down jackets with a merino wool layer underneath are warm enough. If it rains, most jackets do not fit over the down jacket. Therefore we recommend layer one merino wool, layer two a woollen sweater, layer three a thinner down jacket or wind stopper and layer four your water proof jacket.
Of course we understand that not everybody has these items in their closet. Please contact us if you are unsure what to pack.
North West Passage or Taste of the North West Passage
Summer in the Northern Territories of Canada can be cold, but they can be beautiful and warm as well. During the 2019 voyage we have had days of 2 degrees and days of 19 degrees. We had nights of 0 degrees, but also nights with a warm land breeze, where a woollen sweater and merino under layer were enough.
Hiking waterproof pants
Hiking waterproof jacket
Wool sweater
Warm head wear
Buff or neck scarf
Gloves against the cold, not necessarily for sailing
Long pants
T Shirt
Sweater
Merino Wool full under layer (at least 3 full sets)
Down jacket (if possible 800/900gr filling is the best)
This trip fulfilled my desire for adventure sailing as we transited the north coast of Iceland, along the Arctic Circle. Even though it was rough, the boat and crew performed admirably.
Bruce
An enjoyable week in less than ideal weather conditions. The crew were competent and friendly, the catering excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a voyage on Tecla.
Jonathan
A great mix of sailing in Scottish waters, some super hikes and an opportunity to see some of the immensely important historical sites in the Orkneys and Sheltands.
Mooring alongside in the Fair Isles was a great privilege.
The ocean passage to the Faroes was quiet but as a result we were blessed with clear skies whilst slinking in and out of the islands and some of the best coastal views one could hope to see anywhere.
The ocean passage to Iceland was a bit of a bimble until we were 60 miles off and then it got exciting. Thanks to a great skipper and permanent crew we snuggled into a fjord whilst the cruise ship ran aground in Reykjavik harbour. A good holiday, an adventure and fun.
K
Any initial doubts as to the number and experience of the crew were very quickly dispelled and we were impressed with the knowledge and the handling skills of the skipper and the 2 mates. Every opportunity was taken to enhance our enjoyment on both voyages and at every stage we were made to feel relaxed and under no obligation to crew the ship under sometimes testing (but enjoyable) conditions. As an observation, we must congratulate the skipper for her culinary skills under difficult conditions..........the food was perfect for the voyage.
Geoff
A delight. A competent and engaging professional crew, an interesting voyage with some challenges and some great rewards. Good companions to make the log spin around.
Mike
Brilliant. I would do it again tomorrow. And good value too. The food was excellent. I loved the spicy meatballs and my wife loved the fresh langoustines.
Steve
Most enjoyable classic sailing with great food, a true sense of teamwork, great guidance and a good sense of humour. Can't get any better.
Thomas
Vessel Gallery
Globe trotting Tall Ship Tecla in action and images. This historic gaff ketch is our Polar Specialist, with expeditions to Antarctica and through the Northwest Passage, but she also has fantastic voyages in sunnier climes. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.
