| Embark | Disembark | Vessel | Duration | Voyage No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 18-09-2027, 18:00Nuuk, Greenland | Mon 04-10-2027, 10:00Reykjavik, Iceland | Tecla | 16 Nights | TC180927 |
This Greenland Iceland sailing voyage aboard the traditional Dutch ketch Tecla covers approximately 1,100 nautical miles from South Greenland’s dramatic fjords to Reykjavik, rounding the legendary Cape Farewell.
With only 12 berths available, this September passage combines hands-on traditional sailing with exploration of remote Inuit settlements, hot springs at Uunartoq, and spectacular fjord systems. The ocean crossing offers genuine watch-keeping experience through darkening nights with opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis.
No previous sailing experience is required, though the voyage involves at least five nights of continuous offshore sailing with moderate physical demands. Arrive in Reykjavik having developed practical seamanship skills and experienced one of the North Atlantic’s most compelling passages aboard a vessel built for ice-capable Arctic waters.
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
| 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 |
This Greenland Iceland sailing voyage aboard the traditional Dutch ketch Tecla offers one of the most compelling passages in Arctic waters. Departing from the deep fjords of South Greenland, you’ll sail approximately 1,100 nautical miles through some of the North Atlantic’s most dramatic seascape, rounding the legendary Cape Farewell before crossing to Reykjavik, Iceland. With only 12 berths available, this September voyage combines the intimacy of a small crew with the capability of a steel-hulled vessel built for challenging waters.
What can you expect on a Greenland Iceland sailing voyage? You’ll participate fully as active crew, standing watches through increasingly dark nights, handling traditional sail configurations, and experiencing genuine ocean passage-making as the professional crew teach practical seamanship skills suited to Arctic conditions. No previous sailing experience is required, as the professional crew will teach you everything from basic rope handling to navigation skills at a pace that suits you. However, it might be sensible to know you enjoy being at sea before setting off on this long voyage.
Weather permitting, Tecla takes the inshore route through Greenland’s southern fjords rather than the exposed waters outside Cape Farewell. This spectacular passage threads between towering granite cliffs and drifting icebergs, requiring constant vigilance and skilled pilotage through waters where charts can be sparse and depth information limited. As one previous guest noted after sailing Scottish waters with Tecla: “I especially loved the awesome sail we had… and being at anchor with the mountains and the seals, and then the absolutely brilliant day tacking down the sound… I learned so much on the trip and I’m really inspired to try and do more sailing again now.”
The crossing from Greenland to Iceland covers approximately 500 nautical miles of open North Atlantic, depending on your final anchorage. During this passage, you’ll be divided into watch systems of four hours on and eight hours off, steering through the night and participating in all sail handling. September brings properly dark nights to these latitudes, creating the possibility of witnessing the Aurora Borealis dancing across Arctic skies during your night watches. Cape Farewell sits at the same latitude as Stavanger and Shetland, making this a genuine North Atlantic crossing with potential for strong winds and significant wave heights.
Your voyage explores several remarkable locations in South Greenland before the ocean crossing. Qassiarsuk lies deep within the fjord system, a settlement steeped in Norse history where a statue of Erik the Red commemorates the Viking explorer who established Greenland’s first European settlements. The surrounding landscape speaks to centuries of Arctic adaptation, with the massive Greenland ice cap visible in the distance affecting local weather patterns.
From Qassiarsuk, the route leads to Qaqortoq, Greenland, one of South Greenland’s larger communities positioned at the fjord edge. This well-protected town offers a final substantial provisioning stop before heading toward more remote anchorages. The colorful wooden houses typical of Greenlandic settlements provide stark contrast against the granite mountains rising behind.
In the same region, you’ll find the hot springs of Uunartoq, with their stunning backdrop of mountain ranges. These geothermally heated pools offer a well-deserved plunge after a day’s sailing, a rare luxury in these latitudes. The inshore route brings you to Aappilattoq, a small community with brightly painted houses clinging to the rocky shore, representing the resilience of Inuit culture in one of Earth’s more challenging environments.
Weather and conditions permitting, the route may extend into East Greenland after rounding Cape Farewell. Lindenowfjord offers another spectacular fjord system to explore, with possible stops at settlements like Tingmiarmit or Amaliehavn, or as far north as Tasiilaq. However, crossing the North Atlantic in September depends entirely on the low pressure systems tracking from the south. The skipper will make all routing decisions based on forecast conditions, ice drift, and the vessel’s capabilities.
Your arrival port is Reykjavik, Iceland, the world’s northernmost capital and gateway to one of Europe’s most geologically active islands. Reykjavik combines Viking heritage with contemporary Nordic culture, and its position makes it an ideal jumping-off point for exploring Iceland’s dramatic interior or extending your stay to experience the country’s volcanic landscapes, geothermal areas, and distinctive cuisine.
Tecla is a historic Dutch steel ketch built for world travel and ice-capable waters. Her traditional rig requires crew participation and teamwork, with all sail handling done using ropes, blocks, and tackles rather than powered winches. The vessel accommodates just 12 guests plus professional crew, creating a genuinely small-ship atmosphere where everyone contributes to sailing the vessel and shares in the daily routine.
Days aboard follow the rhythm of the sea and the demands of the passage. When coastal sailing through the fjords, most hands are on deck to manage the constant sail adjustments and navigational awareness these confined waters require. During the longer offshore passages, the watch system allows time for rest, reading, or simply absorbing the experience of blue-water sailing. One guest who sailed Tecla in Brazil captured this atmosphere: “It was a blast and a great bonding experience… the true beauty behind this trip was that I found out the sea is the path for me, the sailor’s life is hard yet I didn’t think that at sea i thought how much this was for me, I found myself relaxed and even doing what I would do at home… i felt at peace.”
Meals are prepared fresh daily by the crew, with the galley producing proper hot food even in challenging conditions. Previous guests consistently praise the catering: “We must congratulate the skipper for her culinary skills under difficult conditions… the food was perfect for the voyage.” Expect hearty, warming meals suited to the physical demands of active sailing in northern latitudes, with fresh bread baked regularly aboard.
Accommodation is in shared cabins with berths that provide genuine sleeping comfort rather than cramped yacht-style quarter berths. Solo travelers are common on these voyages, with same-gender cabin arrangements creating a naturally social atmosphere among the small crew. The vessel’s steel construction provides reassuring solidity when conditions turn boisterous, and her decades of sailing challenging waters worldwide give confidence in her sea-keeping abilities.
September in these waters offers remarkable natural spectacles. The increasingly dark nights create opportunities to witness the Aurora Borealis, particularly during the ocean crossing when artificial light pollution is non-existent. Arctic wildlife remains active through autumn, with possibilities of spotting seals hauled out on ice floes, seabirds including puffins and guillemots, and potentially whales. One crew member from a previous Tecla voyage in Iceland recalled: “We were on deck basking in the sun when someone shouted WHALES!!! And there they were, the amazing whales. Splashing, coming up and down, wagging their tails…”
Icebergs present both hazard and spectacle. These massive fragments calved from Greenland’s glaciers drift with currents and winds, their sculptured forms constantly changing as they melt. Navigating among icebergs requires constant vigilance, particularly at anchor where shifting winds can bring ice dangerously close to the vessel. The broken sea ice and bergy bits (smaller ice fragments) add to the navigational complexity while creating unforgettable seascapes.
The midnight sun has passed by September, but the extended twilight of northern latitudes still provides dramatic light for much of the day. Mountain landscapes take on extraordinary colors during the golden hours, and the interplay of light on water creates the “magic reflections” that previous guests have described when anchored deep in the fjord systems.
Comparing lands of the Midnight SunThis passage follows waters sailed by Norse explorers over a millennium ago. Erik the Red’s establishment of Greenland’s first European settlements around 985 AD opened these routes, though the Inuit peoples had adapted to Arctic life here for far longer. The colorful settlements you’ll visit represent centuries of cultural adaptation to one of Earth’s more demanding environments, where communities traditionally lived from fishing, hunting, and increasingly in modern times, from sustainable tourism.
Cape Farewell itself holds significance in maritime history as the turning point for vessels heading to Greenland’s west coast or returning to European waters. The cape’s reputation for challenging conditions means rounding it remains a genuine achievement for any sailing vessel. The Greenland high pressure system can create remarkably stable, dry weather with extraordinary visibility, though conditions can change rapidly with approaching low pressure systems.
Traditional sailing vessels like Tecla maintain a direct connection to this maritime heritage. Her ketch rig and steel construction represent early 20th-century design principles proven across decades of ocean voyaging, while her lack of powered winches means sail handling depends on crew teamwork and traditional seamanship skills rather than mechanical advantage.
This voyage involves approximately 1,100 nautical miles with at least five nights of continuous sailing. Physical demands are moderate, with tasks suited to various fitness levels, and you’re always free to participate as much or as little as you choose. However, the watch-keeping system during offshore passages means broken sleep patterns, and the motion in open-water conditions can be tiring even for those not actively working on deck.
All meals and accommodation are included in the voyage price, as are comprehensive safety equipment, instruction, and guidance from the professional crew. Travel to Greenland and from Iceland, plus travel insurance (which is required), are not included. Personal bar bills for alcoholic beverages are additional. Compare the cost per day with a premium hotel, but include all meals, accommodation, and a genuine adventure that develops skills you’ll carry for life.
Solo travelers form the majority on Classic Sailing voyages, with shared cabins offering both economy and security through same-gender arrangements. The small crew size naturally fosters connection among participants, as one previous guest observed: “Thank you all for your wonderful company during the trip and for putting up with me getting under your feet on deck all the time (I was so excited to be sailing again that I wanted to haul on every line…)”
September weather in these latitudes brings increasing darkness, with night temperatures potentially dropping near freezing. Days can range from calm and sunny to challenging conditions with fresh winds and rain. Pack in layers, prioritizing waterproof outerwear, warm mid-layers, and proper gloves for rope handling in wet conditions. The itinerary is subject to weather conditions and the captain’s discretion, though the advertised departure point and arrival in Reykjavik remain firm commitments. The skipper’s decisions prioritize safety while maximizing the quality of your sailing experience.
Do I need sailing experience for this Greenland Iceland voyage? No previous sailing experience is required, as the professional crew will teach you everything from basic rope handling to navigation skills at a pace that suits you. However, it might be sensible to know you enjoy being at sea before setting off on this long voyage. Tecla’s professional crew have extensive experience training novice sailors, and the watch-keeping system ensures you develop competence gradually while always having experienced crew on deck with you.
What is included in the Tecla voyage price? All accommodation in shared cabins, three meals daily prepared fresh aboard, comprehensive safety equipment, instruction from professional crew, and guidance throughout the passage are included. You’ll need to arrange your own travel to South Greenland and from Reykjavik, Iceland, plus travel insurance which is required for all guests. Personal bar bills for alcoholic beverages are additional costs.
When is the best time to sail from Greenland to Iceland? September offers the optimal combination of relatively settled weather patterns before winter storms intensify, darker nights creating Aurora Borealis opportunities, and the late-season chance to explore Greenland’s fjords before ice makes navigation more challenging. The Greenland high pressure system can provide stable conditions, though North Atlantic weather always demands respect and the skipper will route based on forecast conditions.
How many passengers sail on Tecla? Tecla accommodates just 12 guests plus professional crew, creating an intimate small-ship atmosphere where everyone contributes to sailing the vessel. This limited capacity means booking well in advance is essential, particularly for distinctive voyages like this September Arctic passage. The small numbers ensure genuine participation rather than being a spectator, as one guest noted: “The crew were competent and friendly, the catering excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a voyage on Tecla.”
What should I pack for a Greenland Iceland Arctic sailing voyage? Layering is essential. Bring waterproof foul-weather gear (jacket and trousers), warm fleece or wool mid-layers, thermal base layers for night watches, gloves suitable for rope handling when wet, warm hat, and sturdy non-slip deck shoes. September brings properly cold conditions, particularly during night watches. A head torch is invaluable, as are seasickness remedies if you’re uncertain of your sea legs. Leave cotton clothing at home as it provides no warmth when wet.
All Tecla Polar Voyages
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.
Tecla a Taste of the North West Passage 2024
Glad you liked our journey!
Feel free to post a link so others may see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06b4Xfs0hc
Have a great new year!!!
All the Best, Carr Clifton
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 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.
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