Dates: Sunday 22nd - Wednesday 25th May 2011
This is the first voyage of the summer for Polar Bear and always a firm favourite amongst our crews. Despite being a short trip (only 4 days), we certainly pack a lot into that time! This is a perfect opportunity for mile-building, wildlife watching and experiencing the legendary Shetland hospitality.
No sailing experience is necessary to sail onboard Polar Bear.
Explore the Shetland Islands
Date: 27th - 30th May and 3rd - 6th June 2011
The Shetland Islands have a lot to offer. At 60 degrees north they are the northern most islands of the United Kingdom, perched precariously between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. Wildlife here is nothing short of spectacular with more species of sea birds here than anywhere else in the UK. Thats not all; whales, dolphins and seals are abundant in the Shetlands making this a truly great place to explore.
We've put together a long weekend of exploration that will appeal to anyone who wants to see the very best of these islands from the deck of Polar Bear. With lots of opportunity to get ashore for walks on the stunning beaches, you'll never forget these enchanting islands.
Shetland to Bodo (Norway): Offshore sailing
Dates: Wednesday 8th - Wednesday 15th June 2011Striking out from Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, we will head towards the deep waters of the Norwegian Basin and track along the coastline of North Norway. This is a fantastic way to clock up the ocean miles (around 600 of them) as we head toward the Arctic Circle and of course the midnight sun!After 3 days of sailing (and weather permitting) we will get our first sight of the stunning mountains and islands of Arctic Norway. Our last day through the inner islands towards Bodo (our destination) offer some of the most breathtaking scenery we have encountered on Polar Bear.
Whilst no sailing experience is necessary to join this voyage, conditions in these waters can be challenging and we ask that you are in good shape and mentally prepared for up to 5 days at sea.
Cruising the Lofoten Islands
Dates: Friday 17th - Friday 24th June 2011
Saturday 25th June - Saturday 2nd July 2011
The Lofoten Islands in Arctic Norway are nothing short of magnificent. With impossibly steep mountains towering above endless narrow fjords below, the possibilities for exploration are limited only by time and imagination! We have returned to Lofoten every year and still we have only scratched the surface of what is on offer here. If you are searching for abundant wildlife, extreme mountain scenery, sheltered kayaking waters or perhaps world class fishing, you'll find it all and more in the Lofoten Islands.
Our Lofoten cruises are seven day adventures beginning and ending in the mainland port of Bodo. From here we will disappear into fjord network and find a spectacular anchorage for every night of the trip. These Lofoten Island cruises are extremely popular and early booking is recommended.
Offshore sailing: Bodo (Norway) – Jan Mayen – Akureyri (Iceland)
Monday 4th July – Friday 15th July 2011
From Bodo we will cross the Norwegian Sea for the unique solitary island of Jan Mayen where we have been made to feel most welcome on many occasions now. For those looking for an additional challenge, the rarely visited summit of Beerenberg volcano looms 2277m above. Our next port of call will be Akureyri in the north east of Iceland.
Akureyri (Iceland) - Jan Mayen – Ittoqqortoormiit (East Greenland)
Tuesday 19th – Saturday 30th July 2011
Another great mile building opportunity with lots of new experiences to look forward to; 24 hours of daylight, cold ocean currents, icebergs, whales and every so often a glimpse of the incredible mountains and glaciers that dominate these islands
Greenland Cruise / Milne Land Circumnavigation (East Greenland)
Saturday 30 July - Saturday 6 August 2011
Saturday 6 - Saturday 13 August 2011
Saturday 13 - Saturday 20 August 2011
Saturday 20 - Saturday 27 August 2011
This season saw Polar Bear’s first circumnavigation of Milne Land Island, East Greenland , making up part of the largest fjord system in the world, and we can’t wait to get back and explore further. This place is truly breathtaking and will not fail to impress!