ICELAND

Russian-Dutch sail training voyage
on the tall ship Wylde Swan

24 – 31 July 2021
31 July – 7 August 2021
4 – 11 September 2021
11 – 18 September 2021
VISIT ICELAND
ABOARD THE TALL SHIP
WYLDE SWAN
Iceland is called "the land of ice and flame", Martial landscapes and natural wonders. Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields and geothermal springs coexist on a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

This summer Maritime Practice will undertake 4 sail training voyages along the coast of Iceland on the Dutch tall ship Wylde Swan.

Join the voyage to have a truly unique experience on board the tall ship and a chance to see fjords, basalt cliffs and the nesting of the adorable Atlantic puffins from the water.



WHY SAIL WITH US?
  • Sail training voyage around Iceland
    Visit places that most of the tourists don't have access to and experience Iceland's northern nature aboard the tall ship
  • Unique experience
    Spend one week on board the Dutch sailing ship Wilde Swan: the change of pace and the opportunity to learn about maritime culture of other countries wait for you
  • "Competent Crew" training
    As a part of the training course, you will become a crew member: sail over the seas, climb masts, do emergency work and learn about the vessel, navigation and naval history.
Because the trainees have to spend most of the time of the voyage in a confined space, we have to minimalize the risk of getting COVID-19 on board. Keeping a 1,5 meters distance on board is difficult to accomplish. The only way to minimalize our risks to COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of everyone on board is to only allow guests on board who have been fully vaccinated. We will ask our guests to show proof of these vaccinations before travel. For our part, we guarantee 100% vaccinated crew and staff.

We understand the risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, thus we have designed a flexible mechanisms of cancelation and postponement.

In case of trip cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can join similar voyage (scheduled programs for the next year) or choose another trip with required extra payments (if applicable). If you do not like other options, then we will provide full reimbursement (please, keep in mind, that it will take some time).

This site contains all the necessary information on the travel restrictions in effect for travel to Iceland due to COVID-19:
TERMS & CONDITIONS
REGARDING COVID-19
WHY WYLDE SWAN?
Wylde Swan is quite a large sailing boat. Its length is about 60 m, and the mast height – 43 m. However, her size allows to sail into fjords and manoeuvre there, cast an anchor and bring trainees ashore using Zodiac boats.

In 2011, the Wylde Swan was a total winner in the Tall Ships Race against the world's largest sailing ships, and the team won Friendship Trophy. The training programs on board Wylde Swan are designed not only to provide sailing skills but also to develop other ones such as a team spirit strength, discipline and leadership.

ON BOARD WYLDE SWAN
ACCOMODATION
All the trainees live in two sections: the large section (for 24 trainees) and the small section (for 8 trainees).

There are no men and women areas on board, however everyone has his / her own bunk. You can choose either an upper bunk, or a lower bunk.

Lectures, meal and movie times are held in the lounge area.
RULES AND TRADITIONS
  • TERMS OF PARTICIPATION
    Both men and women are welcome! Minimum age – 12 years (with parents), or 18 years (solely). Previous experience is not required. At the beginning of the voyage, our trainers give you an orientation, lectures, practical classes, which are vital to effective communication with the crew.
  • VOYAGE
    It is designed to be a sail training voyage on board the tall ship Wylde Swan. During the voyage you will attend the program "Competent Crew" according to the International Yacht Training standards.
  • DUTIES
    Trainees are scheduled for navigation and general service duties on board, also they are involved in shipboard and sail works. Shipboard and sail works are needed when maneuvering or whether changes. Our help is crucial for the best crew operations. All hands on deck are very important when abrupt change of weather.

    By the way, all activities on board are voluntary. You can choose and rotate within the range of duties there. We want you to feel comfortable on board our ship.
  • DISCIPLINE
    We are a team. There is a schedule on board, and we are required to follow directions from the captain, officers and trainers. If we are supportive and we are on the same wavelength, thus our voyage seems to be comfortable for everyone.

    A dry law is applied on board. According to sea rules, alcohol consumption is allowed at the beginning and the end of our voyage (at the port of Reykjavik) only. You are welcome to visit local bars during landings, but we kindly ask you to be back on board and ready to take up duties.
  • SAFETY ON BOARD
    All participants (crew, instructors, trainees) must show a COVID vaccination Final Certificate (obtained after taking both doses of vaccination). Your health is the most important for us!
  • MEAL, ACCOMODATION, EQUIPMENT
    We provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. All the trainees live in two sections: the large section (for 24 trainees) and the small section (for 8 trainees).

    Before setting out on a voyage, participants will be informed about equipment requirements.
ITINERARY
MAIN STOPS
24 31 July, 4 11 September

Eastbound sailing trips:
Reykjavik 115 nm Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur 92 nmPatreksfjördur
Patreksfjördur 68 nm Isafjördur
Isafjördur 99 nm Djupavik
Djupavik 93 nm Grimsey Island (Polar Circle)
Grimsey Island 54 nm Akureyri

31 July 7 August, 11 18 September

Westbound sailing trips:
Akureyri - 54 nm - Grimsey Island (Polar Circle)
Grimsey Island - 93 nm - Djupavik
Djupavik - 99 nm - Isafjördur
Isafjördur - 68 nm - Patreksfjördur
Patreksfjördur - 92 nm - Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur - 115 nm - Reykjavik

Duration:
7 days
Overall distance:
314 nautical miles

MAIN STOPS
24 31 July, 4 11 September

Eastbound sailing trips:
Reykjavik 115 nm Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur 92 nm Patreksfjördur
Patreksfjördur 68 nm Isafjördur
Isafjördur 99 nm Djupavik
Djupavik 93 nm Grimsey Island (Polar Circle)
Grimsey Island 54 nm Akureyri

31 July 7 August, 11 18 September

Westbound sailing trips:
Akureyri - 54 nm -Grimsey Island (Polar Circle)
Grimsey Island - 93 nm - Djupavik
Djupavik - 99 nm - Isafjördur
Isafjördur- 68 nm - Patreksfjördur
Patreksfjördur - 92 nm - Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur - 115 nm - Reykjavik

Duration:
7 days
Overall distance:
314 nautical miles

Note: This is a preliminary voyage route, it is dependent on weather conditions. If required, the itinerary might be changed.

In all ports, except Reykjavik and Akureyri, the ship will be in the harbor (anchored). You will be transported ashore depending on weather conditions.
Note: This is a preliminary voyage route, it is dependent on weather conditions. If required, the itinerary might be changed.

In all ports, except Reykjavik and Akureyri, the ship will be in the harbor (anchored). You will be transported ashore depending on weather conditions.

MAIN STOPS
Reykjavik
The capital of Iceland – Reykjavik – a vibrant northern city characterized by narrow streets, colorful buildings, a myriad of museums and friendly citizens. Think about spending a day here to explore the city before your vessel set sail.
Stykkishólmur
A small town with old traditional houses. Stunning views allow nobody stay indifferent. Here you can find black ash beaches, basalt cliffs, and birds nesting on them.
Isafjördur
A charming village with about 600 settlers in the western Iceland. In fact, it is a natural fjord which is perfect for hiking trips to Dynjani waterfall and bird watching.
Patreksfjördur
The town is known as a fisherman's settlement. The first settlers were here in 920. Later Norwegian and Icelandic merchants arrived here, and British and German companies started to build their factories in this place in XVI century. In the southern part of the town, the Iceland's oldest buildings (1734) have remained intact.


Djupavik
Djupavik is a small village in the North-West of Iceland. In 1917, Elías Stefánsson built a herring factory there. Ruins of the herring factory are still an attraction in the village. Today there are a few buildings and a hotel in the village.
Grimsey island (the Polar Circle)
Grimsey is a gem on the Polar Circle, off the north coast of the main island of Iceland. Here is a pier for ferries and a tiny airport. The Arctic Circle currently runs through the island, a feature of interest to many visitors. Only a few dozens of people live on Grimsey Island. The principal industrial activity is commercial fishing. Agriculture and collecting seabird eggs are also common.The island's vegetation cover is rich, consisting of marshland, grass, and moss, and the island is home to many birds, especially auks.Gulls and Arctic terns also inhabit the island.
Akureyri
A lovely town located in the northern Iceland. This is the largest town outside Iceland's heavily populated southwest corner. Nowadays Akureyri is an important port and fishing centre.You can plan your trips to Mývatn lake and Goðafoss waterfall from Akureyri.
PRICE
2930 / 3180 $
2400 / 2600 €
upper bunk / lower bunk
Included
— Ship accommodations
— Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
— "Competent Crew" training course
— First aid on board
— Medical insurance
— Visa assistance (an invitation from the ship with itinerary and insurance details included)

NOT INCLUDED
— The flight to Reykjavik
— Visa fees
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ON BOARD
1
Safety brief
General information, fire safety, onboard work, work at heights, handling the sails
2
Ship tour
A visit to all important parts of the ship: bridge, engine room, radio cabin, sail loft, living and household rooms
3
Theoretical classes
Ship's schedule and duties, emergency calls, alarm response, life support equipment, alarm system and communication, life boats etc.
4
Sail plan
Rigging types, rigging and sail work, types of sails, ship heading and winds
5
Lecture
"The history of sailing ships"
All about tall ships from mid-XIX century to our time. Why naval schools' trainees still sail on board the tall ships?
6
Practical exercise and sail work
Practical exercise on board the tall ship
7
First Aid
What to do in case of emergency
8
Masts
Crow's nest, crosstree ground, after yards, rolling, and fore royal yard
9
Knotting and splicing
Theoretical and practical classes: knots, eye splice, and other splices
10
First Aid training
Fractures, bleeding, cuts, CPR, drowning first aid, heat and sunstroke
11
Navigation and sailing directions
Geographical coordinates and measures, knot-meter, sounder, and echo-sounder
12
Meteorology
Meteorological chart, Beaufort wind scale, change of weather conditions, cyclones, anticyclones
ANY QUESTIONS LEFT?
Submit the application and we will get back to you as soon as possible

© 2022 All Rights Reserved
Photo credits: wyldeswan.com, Kate Uryupova.