WEST GREENLAND
Sailing voyage along Disko Bay
on the polar yacht Aurora
on the polar yacht Aurora
Dates:
24 June – 1 July 2022
24 June – 1 July 2022
Participants:
9
Age:
18+ / 12+ with parents
Experience:
not required
9
Age:
18+ / 12+ with parents
Experience:
not required
WEST GREENLAND
Sailing voyage along Disko Bay on the polar yacht Aurora
Dates:
24 June – 1 July 2022
24 June – 1 July 2022
Participants:
9
Age:
18+ / 12+ with parents
Experience:
not required
9
Age:
18+ / 12+ with parents
Experience:
not required
EXPLORE WEST GREENLAND
ON THE POLAR YACHT AURORA
ON THE POLAR YACHT AURORA
Icebergs are one of nature's wonders that make Greenland so special and attract many travellers from all over the world.
If you ever consider going somewhere to see icebergs, choose Ilulissat. That is where you will find the fastest outlet glacier in the world, Jakobshavn Glacier. Thousands of icebergs are calving off it constantly, filling the West coast of Greenland.
In June 2022 Maritime Practice will undertake a sailing voyage along Disko Bay on the polar yacht Aurora. Join the team and fulfil your dream of visiting West Greenland!
If you ever consider going somewhere to see icebergs, choose Ilulissat. That is where you will find the fastest outlet glacier in the world, Jakobshavn Glacier. Thousands of icebergs are calving off it constantly, filling the West coast of Greenland.
In June 2022 Maritime Practice will undertake a sailing voyage along Disko Bay on the polar yacht Aurora. Join the team and fulfil your dream of visiting West Greenland!
POLAR YACHT AURORA
The steel sailing yacht Aurora was built in 1991 in Plymouth to compete in the world's most difficult round the world yacht race the BT Global Challenge.
In 2017 the vessel was equipped with all the necessary technology and safety-equipment for the high Arctic and Antarctic. Moreover, the cabins were rebuilt, upholstery was replaced, a sauna and deckhouse were installed.
Specifications:
Length – 20.5 m
Draught – 3 m
Mast height – 23.5 m
Hull – steel
Crew – 4 people
Participants – 9 people
In 2017 the vessel was equipped with all the necessary technology and safety-equipment for the high Arctic and Antarctic. Moreover, the cabins were rebuilt, upholstery was replaced, a sauna and deckhouse were installed.
Specifications:
Length – 20.5 m
Draught – 3 m
Mast height – 23.5 m
Hull – steel
Crew – 4 people
Participants – 9 people
ACCOMMODATION
There is one double aft cabin (2), two double cabins (8, 9), one triple cabin (7). Each cabin is equipped with a heating system.
Two bathrooms and showers (10,11), a sauna, a spacious saloon (4) and a fully equipped galley (3) are shared.
Two bathrooms and showers (10,11), a sauna, a spacious saloon (4) and a fully equipped galley (3) are shared.
ITINERARY
Ilulissat — 68 nm — Aasiaat
Aasiaat — 46 nm — Kekertarsuak
Kekertarsuak — 94 nm — Sarqaq
Sarqaq— 172 nm — Uummannaq
Uummannaq — 170 nm — Qullissat
Qullissat— 74 nm — Oqaatsut
Oqaatsut —10 nm — Ilulissat
Duration:
8 days, 7 nights
Overall distance:
634 nautical miles
Note: this is a voyage to a remote, inaccessible region. All activities during the voyage depend on ice and weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and the captain. The actual itinerary of the voyage may differ from the declared one. Encounters with declared wildlife species cannot be guaranteed.
Aasiaat — 46 nm — Kekertarsuak
Kekertarsuak — 94 nm — Sarqaq
Sarqaq— 172 nm — Uummannaq
Uummannaq — 170 nm — Qullissat
Qullissat— 74 nm — Oqaatsut
Oqaatsut —10 nm — Ilulissat
Duration:
8 days, 7 nights
Overall distance:
634 nautical miles
Note: this is a voyage to a remote, inaccessible region. All activities during the voyage depend on ice and weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and the captain. The actual itinerary of the voyage may differ from the declared one. Encounters with declared wildlife species cannot be guaranteed.
Ilulissat — 68 nm — Aasiaat
Aasiaat — 46 nm — Kekertarsuak
Kekertarsuak — 94 nm — Sarqaq
Sarqaq— 172 nm — Uummannaq
Uummannaq — 170 nm — Qullissat
Qullissat— 74 nm — Oqaatsut
Oqaatsut —10 nm — Ilulissat
Duration:
8 days, 7 nights
Overall distance:
634 nautical miles
Note: this is a voyage to a remote, inaccessible region. All activities during the voyage depend on ice and weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and the captain. The actual itinerary of the voyage may differ from the declared one. Encounters with declared wildlife species cannot be guaranteed.
Aasiaat — 46 nm — Kekertarsuak
Kekertarsuak — 94 nm — Sarqaq
Sarqaq— 172 nm — Uummannaq
Uummannaq — 170 nm — Qullissat
Qullissat— 74 nm — Oqaatsut
Oqaatsut —10 nm — Ilulissat
Duration:
8 days, 7 nights
Overall distance:
634 nautical miles
Note: this is a voyage to a remote, inaccessible region. All activities during the voyage depend on ice and weather conditions and are determined by the expedition leader and the captain. The actual itinerary of the voyage may differ from the declared one. Encounters with declared wildlife species cannot be guaranteed.
MAIN STOPS
Ilulissat
The yacht that is going to be your home for the nearest future will be waiting for you in ten-minutes drive from the Ilulissat airport.
Just recall the feeling you had while looking at dozens of icebergs scattered around from an airplane window — you'll get it back very soon, when you will take the Blue Trail trek along the fjord after accommodating yourself aboard. That is where you will find the largest collection of icebergs in Greenland, thousands of which are calving off the Jakobshavn Glacier. Whichever route you choose, a long one of 7 km or a short one of 3 km, you will enjoy this trek for sure!
Don't forget to take a thermos and some cookies — you will need them if you decide to take a break. Pick a beautiful hill and listen to the ice move while sipping some warm drink. You will definitely remember this moment! We'll be there during a polar day in Greenland, so the icebergs lit up by the golden rays of the midnight Sun will look especially amazing.
Just recall the feeling you had while looking at dozens of icebergs scattered around from an airplane window — you'll get it back very soon, when you will take the Blue Trail trek along the fjord after accommodating yourself aboard. That is where you will find the largest collection of icebergs in Greenland, thousands of which are calving off the Jakobshavn Glacier. Whichever route you choose, a long one of 7 km or a short one of 3 km, you will enjoy this trek for sure!
Don't forget to take a thermos and some cookies — you will need them if you decide to take a break. Pick a beautiful hill and listen to the ice move while sipping some warm drink. You will definitely remember this moment! We'll be there during a polar day in Greenland, so the icebergs lit up by the golden rays of the midnight Sun will look especially amazing.
Aasiaat
Our first stop will be in Aasiaat. To get there we'll have to pass by the Icefjord, the very fjord that you walked by while taking the Blue Trail and that you might have seen from the airplane.
It's time to check out what icebergs look like from the sea and, maybe, even to meet your first whale. When we were on our first expedition to Greenland, groups of whales were fishing close to Aasiaat. From 4 to 7 whales were jumping out of the water right next to our boat at once.
Apart from taking pictures, you might try fishing. Our chef will easily fry a fresh cod or, in case we are lucky, a catfish. Halibut, sea bass or wild trout are not that easy to catch, but you may buy some at a market here in the port. Sometimes you'll find whale meat being sold too. Like centuries ago, nowadays Inuits fish whales since their meat as well as that of seals is the basics of their diet. Today like hundreds of years ago Inuit hunt whales and seals, whose meat forms the basis of their diet.
When walking around the town, pay attention to an arch next to the church: it is made of bones from a whale's jaws. You will also see the full whale skeleton next to the one of the hotels.
It's time to check out what icebergs look like from the sea and, maybe, even to meet your first whale. When we were on our first expedition to Greenland, groups of whales were fishing close to Aasiaat. From 4 to 7 whales were jumping out of the water right next to our boat at once.
Apart from taking pictures, you might try fishing. Our chef will easily fry a fresh cod or, in case we are lucky, a catfish. Halibut, sea bass or wild trout are not that easy to catch, but you may buy some at a market here in the port. Sometimes you'll find whale meat being sold too. Like centuries ago, nowadays Inuits fish whales since their meat as well as that of seals is the basics of their diet. Today like hundreds of years ago Inuit hunt whales and seals, whose meat forms the basis of their diet.
When walking around the town, pay attention to an arch next to the church: it is made of bones from a whale's jaws. You will also see the full whale skeleton next to the one of the hotels.
Kekertarsuak
If you look at the map of Greenland, you will see that 80% of its surface is covered with an ice sheet. Then why do they call it Greenland? There are several explanations as to why viking Erik the Red, the first European to step on this land, called it a green land. One version goes that it was a PR-trick to attract more settlers to this severe region. We personally think that such a name might have crossed his mind after Erik the Red visited Disko Island, the greenest corner of Greenland.
You will see it for yourself when going on a trek along a picturesque route to the waterfalls of the Wind Valley, basalt cliffs, and black beach. The trek continues along the gulf and you will get a good view of gigantic icebergs from there.
When all the guests come back, we'll move to a secret spot with two waterfalls, have a barbecue on a beach with volcanic sand and might also go wakeboarding among the icebergs. After that we'll spend a night in the port. Godhavn is definitely one of our favourite spots in Disko Bay expedition.
You will see it for yourself when going on a trek along a picturesque route to the waterfalls of the Wind Valley, basalt cliffs, and black beach. The trek continues along the gulf and you will get a good view of gigantic icebergs from there.
When all the guests come back, we'll move to a secret spot with two waterfalls, have a barbecue on a beach with volcanic sand and might also go wakeboarding among the icebergs. After that we'll spend a night in the port. Godhavn is definitely one of our favourite spots in Disko Bay expedition.
Sarqaq
Sarqaq is a nice town fifty miles away from Kekertarsuak. We'll stop here for a night before starting our crossing to Uummanaq, the longest crossing of this expedition. In Sarqaq we recommend to visit the local church, it is always open there.
Greenland churches, as well as sculptures, paintings and simple drawings that Inuits use to decorate the walls of their buildings represent their unique national culture and traditions. Nowadays, the same as five thousand years ago, dog sledding is an essential part of Greenland tradition. They use dogs not only for moving around in winter, but also for hunting.
Those who live in such small towns like Sarqaq are usually involved in breeding or learning to sled the dogs. That is why you will always come across a kennel with a couple of fluffy puppies that you can't but squeeze for a while.
Greenland churches, as well as sculptures, paintings and simple drawings that Inuits use to decorate the walls of their buildings represent their unique national culture and traditions. Nowadays, the same as five thousand years ago, dog sledding is an essential part of Greenland tradition. They use dogs not only for moving around in winter, but also for hunting.
Those who live in such small towns like Sarqaq are usually involved in breeding or learning to sled the dogs. That is why you will always come across a kennel with a couple of fluffy puppies that you can't but squeeze for a while.
Uummannaq
Uummannaq is the second place in our top-3 list. The town is located at the foot of the mountain that resembles a heart by its shape. It will take a day to get to Uummannaq, but it is totally worth it. There are so many wonderful places on our way there. While in the town, you'd better leave the boat and have a walk around, especially at sunset or if it's foggy.
The panoramic view of the fjord from the shore is stunning: pay attention to the colour, light and texture.
The panoramic view of the fjord from the shore is stunning: pay attention to the colour, light and texture.
Qullissat
This is an abandoned village where they used to mine coal until 1972. Due to labour intensity and the high cost of the process the mining was ceased and the workers had to leave their homes and move.
Although there are no amenities and electricity, old residents and miners' grandchildren take care of their households.
Although there are no amenities and electricity, old residents and miners' grandchildren take care of their households.
Oqaatsut and the way back to Ilulisaat
Oqaatsut or formerly Rodebay received its first name from the Dutch whale hunters, who settled here in the 18th century, the name means ''the bloody bay''. If you go along the Oqaatsut coasts on a motorboat you'll get the idea: one could easily distinguish remnants of whales at the bottom of the sea there.
Tourists are attracted to the oldest whale-catcher pub H8, where you can try local cuisine: smoked whale set, a cocktail of shrimps, dry cod, smoked halibut and sea soup. Ilulissat is two hours away from here, and the whole route back will be full of icebergs.
Tourists are attracted to the oldest whale-catcher pub H8, where you can try local cuisine: smoked whale set, a cocktail of shrimps, dry cod, smoked halibut and sea soup. Ilulissat is two hours away from here, and the whole route back will be full of icebergs.
PRICE
3000 € per person
included in the price
— Ship accommodation
— Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
— Bed linen and towel
— Professional sailing team service
— Cook's service
— Berthing expenses (water, electricity)
— Fuel
— Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
— Bed linen and towel
— Professional sailing team service
— Cook's service
— Berthing expenses (water, electricity)
— Fuel
not included
— The flight to Ilulisaat and back
— Visa fees
— Visa fees
BOOKING AND PAYMENT
50 % – within 3 days after booking
50 % – 2 months before the start of the voyage
50 % – 2 months before the start of the voyage
CANCEL AND REFUND
Cancellation of the voyage more than 2 months before the selected voyage results in reimbursement or rebooking the trip with required extra payment (depending on the price of the new selected trip). If you cancel the booking less than 2 months before the trip, we will charge you the whole amount of the payment you made. In case you have someone willing to replace you on the trip, we will fully reimburse your payment.
USEFUL INFORMATION
FLIGHTS
Our voyages start and finish in Ilulisaat (West Greenland). Since there aren't any direct flights to Ilulisaat, you have to choose either to fly to Reykjavik (Iceland) or to Nuuk (the capital of Greenland) and then take a direct flight to Ilulisaat.
VISA
You'll need a Schengen visa to travel to Iceland and Greenland.
TERMS & CONDITIONS REGARDING COVID-19
To enter Greenland all the trainees have to be fully vaccinated with the vaccine approved by European Medicines Agency (Pfizer / BioNTech / Moderna / AstraZeneca / Johnson & Johnson). A PCR-test and quarantine are not required. Children under 12 don't have to be vaccinated
This site contains all the necessary information on the travel restrictions in effect for travel to Greenland due to COVID-19.
The entry regulations are subject to change, but we are monitoring the situation daily and will inform you of any changes as soon as possible.
This site contains all the necessary information on the travel restrictions in effect for travel to Greenland due to COVID-19.
The entry regulations are subject to change, but we are monitoring the situation daily and will inform you of any changes as soon as possible.
Apply for the voyage
