| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 06-08-2024, 18:00Illulissat, West Greenland | Sun 01-09-2024, 10:00Nuuk, The Capital of Greenland | Tecla | 26 Nights | TC060824 |
In 2019, the Tecla crew successfully navigated through the ice and channels of the North West Passage; an enormous voyage with so many highlights, but one of the most thrilling parts was a visit to Beechey Island. This unique voyage takes you from Ilulissat in Western Greenland, into the Eastern end of the North West Passage, as far as Beechey Island, then back to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
A real Northern adventure, this trip gives a real flavour of Greenland, Canada, and the trickiness of ice navigation and polar exploration, without having to complete the entire 6000 mile route of the full Northwest Passage.
| Vessel type / Rig | Gaff Ketch |
| Guest Berths | 12 |
| Beam | 22ft |
| Draft | 8.9ft |
| Deck Length | 90ft |
| Overall Length | 124ft |
| Tonnage | 92 tons |
| Year Built | 1915 |
Those of you who would have loved to have done the North West Passage with Tecla in 2019 but are attracted to this shorter taste of the Eastern end of the North West Passage. This well designed voyage, based on Tecla’s experience from her East West transit in 2019, has many of the historical highlights, without the time spent waiting for a gap in the sea ice and the thousands of miles across Canada and Alaska to the Bering Sea.
Adventurers, scientists or environmentalists with a strong interest in the Arctic project, artists looking for wild inspiration, romantics with practical skills, experienced sailors, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, writers and wildlife lovers. Those fascinated with the history of the North West Passage, the fated Franklin Expedition and the challenge and mystic of finding a way through to the Pacific. Maybe you are attracted to stark, vast landscapes where few humans tread. or want to meet the Inuit people in settlements and hunting land that few outsiders could cope with in the winter months.
A unique voyage that will take you from North West Greenland to the Canadian Arctic and back in 3 weeks of high Arctic sailing. This is the route Tecla took in 2019 and marks the first approaches of the North West Passage.
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.
Departing from Ilulissat, where huskies outnumber 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 Polarbear, or muskoxen and Caribou.
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.
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.
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 voyage 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!
At the end of the voyage there will also be some time for sailing as we make our way South out of Lancastersound, to the capital of Greenland, Nuuk.
Captain of Tecla Gijs has been researching the North West Passage for some time and 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.
Since the Gjøa, the vessels that made it through were typically sailing vessels with auxillary engines with strengthened hulls. Commercial cargo shipping still won’t use the sea route as there are too many ice hold ups. A few big cruise ships or ice-breaking expedition ships have made it, but looking at the records we believe this will be the first North West Passage Expedition on a tall ship since its conquest in 1906. 17 yachts have made it though in 2017, but only 3 in 2018. Tecla was the first tall ship with charter crew to sucessfully sail the 6000 mile route in summer 2019.
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).
Ice adds another dimension to sailing, and it’s important to understand that the Skipper will plan the exact route and itinerary to make the most of the forecast conditions, but that ice may also halt progress at any time. It’s good to be flexible, and to make the most of the journey, rather than feeling a need to tick off particular destinations.
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.
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.
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 a voyage, 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.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Ilulissat is a coastal town in western Greenland. It’s known for the Ilulissat Icefjord which is an utterly incredible sight and you owe yourself the opportunity to experience the Icefjord in all possible ways. It is listed as UNESCO world heritage site. The Ilulissat Museum traces the area’s history and the life of local-born explorer Knud Rasmussen. The area is home to thousands of Greenland dogs, used for dogsledding which is still widely used for transportation by the local fisherman on the ice or similarly as a way to see the sights.
Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland, offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and modern amenities. It’s well worth spending some time here before or after your voyage. Here is a brief guide to experiencing a memorable day out in Nuuk:
1. Morning Exploration:
Begin your day by exploring the city centre. Visit the National Museum of Greenland, which houses exhibits showcasing the history, culture, and art of Greenland. Take a leisurely walk along the colourful harbour area, admiring the picturesque view of the surrounding mountains and the charming houses. Don’t miss the iconic statue of Hans Egede, the founder of Nuuk, located near the harbour.
2. Cultural Immersion:
Immerse yourself in Greenlandic culture by visiting local art galleries and craft shops. Nuuk Art Museum showcases contemporary Greenlandic art, while the Katuaq Cultural Center hosts various events, performances, and exhibitions. Explore the Nuuk Cathedral, a beautiful modern church known for its impressive stained glass windows.
3. Greenlandic Cuisine:
Indulge in Greenlandic cuisine during your lunchtime. Visit one of the local restaurants and try traditional dishes like mattak (whale skin and blubber), Greenlandic seafood, or reindeer meat. You can also sample local delicacies such as dried fish or “kaffe-mik,” a traditional coffee gathering with cakes and pastries.
4. Outdoor Adventures:
In the afternoon hike up nearby mountains like Lille Malene or Store Malene for breathtaking panoramic views of Nuuk and the surrounding wilderness.
5. Nuuk’s Cultural Landmarks:
Discover Nuuk’s cultural landmarks, such as the Nuuk Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary Greenlandic art. Visit the Nuuk Cathedral, a modern architectural gem known for its unique design and serene ambiance. Explore the Greenland National Theater and enjoy a performance showcasing traditional Greenlandic music and dance.
6. Evening Relaxation:
End your day by unwinding at one of Nuuk’s cozy cafes or restaurants. Sample Greenlandic specialties like crowberry desserts or sip on a local beer brewed with Arctic ingredients. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere with stunning views of the sunset over the mountains.
Remember to dress warmly and bring appropriate outdoor gear, as the weather in Greenland can be cold and unpredictable.
1. UK: You will typically need to take a connecting flight from a major airport such as London Heathrow or Manchester. There are no direct flights from the UK to Nuuk, so you would first fly to a major European hub, such as Copenhagen, Denmark, or Reykjavik, Iceland. From there, you would then take a connecting flight to Nuuk, which is the capital city of Greenland. It is advisable to check with airlines for the most convenient routes and schedules.
2. Canada: There are direct flights available from several Canadian cities to Nuuk. For instance, Air Greenland operates flights from both Montreal and Copenhagen to Nuuk. Alternatively, you could fly to Reykjavik, Iceland, which serves as a common connecting hub for flights to Nuuk. From Reykjavik, you would take a connecting flight to Nuuk, completing your journey.
3. USA: From the USA, you can reach Nuuk in Greenland by taking a connecting flight. Similar to Canada, there are no direct flights from the USA to Nuuk. Your best way is to fly via one of the Canadian airports mentioned above.
4. Europe: Several airlines, including Air Greenland, Air Iceland Connect, and Air Canada, operate direct flights from European cities like Copenhagen, Denmark, Reykjavik, Iceland, and Keflavik, Iceland, to Nuuk. The availability of direct flights may vary depending on the airline and the time of year, so it is recommended to check the schedules and book in advance to secure your preferred travel dates.
Please note that flight schedules and routes can change, so it is essential to check with airlines or travel agencies for the most up-to-date information before planning your journey to Nuuk.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
Globe trotting Tall Ship Tecla in action and images. This historic gaff ketch is our Iceland Specialist and also has Greenland Sailing Expeditions. 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.
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Mon 16-10-2023
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Exploring West Greenland TC260724
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