Embark on an extraordinary 10-day sailing adventure from Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands to Nome on mainland Alaska. This voyage provides a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most remote and rugged maritime regions.
Voyage
Vessel
VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
10 days exploring the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea
Voyage off the beaten track
Learn the ropes with Tecla’s welcoming crew
Fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities, with sea otters, seals, puffins and more!
You join the ship in Dutch Harbor, a bustling hub of fishery and maritime activity. Take time to explore this unique destination, with its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Consider visiting the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge or hiking through the rugged terrain of Unalaska Island.
On stepping aboard Tecla, you’ll meet the professional crew and your fellow sailors and get settled into your bunk. After a safety briefing and introductions over dinner on board, enjoy your first night in harbour before preparing to set sail the following morning.
Along the Way
Spend two days exploring the waters and islands surrounding Unalaska. Sail past rugged coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and isolated coves teeming with wildlife. Depending on weather and sea conditions, there may be opportunities to anchor near some of the smaller, lesser-visited islands to explore ashore. These islands are home to sea otters, seals, puffins, and other marine life, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife watching.
Set sail northward, leaving the Aleutian Islands behind and venturing into the open expanse of the Bering Sea. Enjoy sailing out of the sight of land for several days, keeping watch for whales, orca and seabirds. Depending on conditions, the crew might choose to anchor near St. Matthew Island, a remote and uninhabited island known for its striking cliffs and abundant bird colonies.
You’ll continue north with a potential stop at St. Lawrence Island, a culturally rich and ecologically diverse location. Explore the tundra, observe Arctic wildlife, and learn about the indigenous Siberian Yupik community that inhabits the island. Then it’s the final leg of the journey toward Nome.
Arriving in Nome
Your voyage culminates in Nome at the tip of the Seward Peninsula and overlooking the Bering Sea. Nome offers a mix of Native culture, rugged Alaskan landscapes, and rich history (it’s the most famous gold rush town in Alaska—home of the last great gold stampede in the history of the American West).
WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER
Summer in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands can offer fantastic sailing conditions. Relatively calm seas, moderate winds and long daylight hours. Sudden weather changes and fog can still occur, making it important to be prepared for all possible weather! The crew will keep a close eye on the latest forecasts and plan your route accordingly.
A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice.
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.
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.
Nome, Alaska
Nome is a coastal Bering Sea Community located on the north western coast of Alaska. Nome is about 540 miles from Anchorage, 160 miles from Russia and 102 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Nome is not located on the Alaska Highway system, and other than flying can only be reached via water or by snowmobile/dogsled trails.
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.
