Greenland · 10 August - 28 September 2026
North West Passage
Take on the "Everest" of Sailing and prepare to be part of something amazing.
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Overview
Prepare for an adventure that will redefine your concept of exploration. The Northwest Passage, a fabled route less than 200 vessels have successfully navigated since 1906, awaits you. Now, you have the chance to join this elite group of explorers, but with a ground-breaking twist - you’ll embark on this epic journey aboard the world’s lowest environmental impact yacht. Crafted by world-renowned experts in sustainable yacht design, this purpose-prepared vessel will feature 100% recyclable materials and zero fossil fuel consumption. This is high-adventure sailing at its most extraordinary, where your passion for exploration aligns with a deep commitment to the planet.
Highlights
A JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER
Take on a formidable 900-mile journey high up in the Arctic Circle, traversing shifting ice floes and narrow sea passages against the backdrop of the Arctic’s untouched beauty. Your odyssey begins in Nuuk, Greenland and concludes in Nome, Alaska - a 50-day expedition in August 2026 that is an authentic test of endurance and skill, and one of the last great exploration trips on the planet.
WORLD-CLASS SKIPPERS
Join a crew of ten, including six adventurers like yourself. This is not a leap into the unknown; it’s a carefully planned adventure with comprehensive training, including an ocean survival course and at least one multi-week qualifying Arctic circle passage, ensuring readiness for this ultimate challenge.
LIFE ON BOARD
Incredible sights and experiences and one of only a handful of people that have traversed the Northwest Passage. It will be mentally and physically challenging; it requires a constant watch through the day and night, especially looking for ice which is a constant threat. We’ll build a sense of camaraderie and team that will last for life and of course, an incredible sense of achievement.
EPIC EXPEDITION SAILING
This is hands-on sailing. You will be a fully active part of the crew involved in preparation, planning and execution of the trip.
PURPOSE PREPARED YACHT
We are securing a purpose built yacht expressly for the voyage. This will be fully fitted out with the latest safety and navigational aids.
Skippers
Jim Dobie (Skipper)
A hugely experienced Skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Examiner who has sailed almost every ocean of the world, leading expeditions to some of the remotest places including the Galapagos, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Tasmania. Jim is experienced, not only on, but also under water, as a Scuba Diving Instructor delivering expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef, Oceania and Asia. Jim has a long history of successful race campaigns including skipper for the 09-10 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, competed in five Sydney to Hobart races, two Fastnet races, Round Britain and Ireland Race and many other offshore race events.
Jim will be supported by a fully qualified first mate on the trip.
Itinerary
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Apply
The first step is to apply to us. We have just six crew places available and this is a challenging trip. Therefore, we will be interviewing each person to ensure you are aware of the challenge you are taking on and answer questions (because you will have lots!)
You can either pay the deposit directly, in which case we will contact you to set up an interview, or simply write to us Andrew@wavysail.com and say you want to apply.
The interview is an informal event - you do NOT need to have huge sailing experience, but you do need to have a good "hands-on" approach and be comfortable joining a trip which will require adaptation, team working and calmness in challenging situations.
After the interview, and if we feel you are suitable, we will write to offer a place on the crew. At this point, you will pay the "deposit" and become a member of the exclusive "Expedition Crew"
If you are not offered a place on the crew, or you elect not to take up the offer, we will refund the deposit (if you paid in advance).
PREPARE : Be part of the build
The worlds very first "Net Zero" adventure sailing yacht is under construction in France. This vessel will re-define the world of sailing. Built from revolutionary materials and fully "Fossil-fuel" free.
Once you are accepted onto the crew and pay your deposit, Expedition crew become members of an exclusive community.
Benefits include:
- Reserved space on the NW passage (one of only six)
- Trip to France to see the yacht in construction
- Crew shore kit (jacket and polo)
- Social events and regular progress updates
- 50% discount on ANY other Wavysail trips you book
- FREE sailing opportunities and exclusive offers
Discounts and sailing benefits are valid until the end of 2026 and can be used for an unlimited number of trips*
* Full Terms and Conditions are here : Click here
TRAIN : Full training to take on the arctic
Once the vessel is in the water, you will pay your "berth" fees and then embark on the heart of the adventure.
It starts by being part of the "launch" crew, the first people to sail the world's first "net zero" adventure sailing yacht.
You will then join a qualifying passage on the yacht up to the Arctic circle, fully testing and preparing yourself and the vessel for the voyage ahead
You will complete a shore-based Ocean survival course
We will plan, train and prepare together - ensuring you are fully ready for the attempt at the passage itself, which we expect to be in August 2026
Greenland
SAIL : Leg 1 Join in Nuuk
Our journey begins in the picturesque setting of Nuuk, Greenland, where adventurers from around the globe converge to embark on an unforgettable voyage. Prepare to be immersed in the excitement of yacht preparation, where every detail is meticulously attended to ensure a seamless and safe journey ahead. Safety drills conducted by our experienced crew will equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the Arctic waters with ease. As we provision our vessel, stocking up on essential supplies for the voyage ahead, anticipation builds for the incredible experiences awaiting us on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.
SAIL : Leg 2 - The Legendary Passage
Traverse the formidable Davis Strait and Lancaster Sound, where icy waters merge with rugged coastlines, painting a breathtaking tableau of natural splendour. Navigate the challenging Barrow, Peel, and Franklin Straits, each passage steeped in maritime history and adventure. As we sail through Victoria Strait, the heart of the legendary passage, anticipation mounts for the wonders that lie ahead. Our planned stop at Cambridge Bay offers a welcome respite—a chance to restock supplies, conduct maintenance, and embark on exhilarating explorations of this remote Arctic outpost. With two days devoted to discovery, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region and forge lasting memories amidst the untamed beauty of the North West Passage.
SAIL : Leg 3 - An epic finish
As we navigate the vast expanse of Coronation Gulf and Amundsen Gulf, surrounded by towering cliffs and majestic glaciers, the sense of exhilaration is palpable. Traverse the icy waters of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, where the untamed beauty of the Arctic landscape unfolds before us in all its glory. With each nautical mile, anticipation builds as we approach the iconic Bering Strait, a gateway between continents and a testament to the indomitable spirit of exploration. Our journey culminates in the historic port of Nome, Alaska, USA, where tales of exploration echo through the streets and the allure of the wild beckons from every corner.
What's Included
What's Included
Interview and acceptance on the crew (one of only six places)
Automatic membership of “Expedition club” giving lots of benefits including 50% off all Wavysail trips (we want to encourage you to sail, train and prepare!)
Visit to Les Sables D’Olonne, see the yacht under construction (meet the designers and engineers behind the vessel)
Place on the launch voyage of the vessel (expected Q1 2025)
Qualifying passage – Oban to Lofoten Islands or other passage to high latitudes – Arctic training
Ocean Survival Course to ensure you’re fully prepared for the voyage
Your own specialist gear to keep (foulies)
Attempt at the Northwest Passage itself
All food and drink (non-alcoholic) on board
Safety equipment including life-jackets
Sailing instruction from a world leading skipper and first mate
Arctic and high latitudes sail training
Your own foul weather gear
What's Not Included
Sailing & Travel Insurance
Transport to the boat
Shore excursions
Booking options
Expedition Crew Member
Register to become Expedition Crew by paying the non-refundable £7,500 deposit. Once accepted on the crew, you will get immediate benefits including 50% off all other Wavysail trips. The balance is not due unless and until the vessel is in the water and dates are confirmed.
FROM$63,651 /pp
Gallery
FAQs
Is this adventure for me?
This is one of the world’s toughest challenges. We will have an interview with you to get to know you better and chat through questions, concerns, etc. What we're looking for:
Attitude
- Responsible and safety mindset
- Have a can-do attitude
- Committed to taking on the challenge
- Adaptable
- Calm under pressure
Experience
- Some sailing experience is required
- Recommended day skipper qualification or equivalent experience as a minimum
Attributes
- Female and Male crew are equally welcome
- Must be over 18 yrs (no max age!)
- Reasonably mobile –no need to be superfit!
- Must have English as a working language
- Special dietary requirements – no problem
- Medical needs such as Diabetes – no problem*
*provided they can be safely managed during an extended period away from support
Is sailing through the Northwest Passage guaranteed?
The Northwest Passage is the ultimate adventure, but it comes with no guarantees. While we plan meticulously, unexpected conditions like ice and weather can impact the journey. Our top priority is the safety of the crew and the vessel, so we won’t hesitate to return to a safe haven if conditions become risky. This isn’t the place to take unnecessary risks.
Can anyone join the North West Passage?
At Wavysail, we typically welcome adventurers of all experience levels on our trips. However, the Northwest Passage is an exceptional challenge. We conduct interviews to ensure crew suitability. Ideal crew members have prior sailing experience including ocean passages, such as participation in the Clipper Race, the Fastnet or similar endeavours.
However, joining at Adventurer level doesn’t require previous sailing experience. There are opportunities for you to sail on this remarkable yacht, even if you have very limited prior sailing experience.
What equipment do I need?
We will supply specialist equipment including life-jackets and Foul Weather gear required for the trip.
What's the cancellation policy?
At this moment we are only requesting you register interest - this is not a commitment to join. Booking and cancellation policy will be outlined nearer the time.