''High latitude sailing in the icy waters of the Arctic was always a big part of the golden age of Greenland expedition exploration. We've often dreamed about the adventures we could have with a well equipped expedition yacht: sailing remote coastlines seldom-ever seen and stopping off to explore un-named mountains and glaciers. So when we heard about Borea, run by Runar & Siggi, we were very excited! Together, we set about making into reality our dream trip.''
Matt Spenceley
Greenland Expedition Specialists
This season, a small crew will board the expedition yacht Aurora and cruise the ultra-remote coastline between Kulusuk in the south and Scoresbysund in the north. Our plan, always dictated by sea ice conditions, will be to explore the fjords, mountains and glaciers of this uninhabited region, making ascents of peaks and paddling the sea kayaks amongst the pack ice. We're currently looking for team members with a sense of adventure to join us in a rare visit to one's of the World's least explored arctic regions.
Log book Entries
''Last night, after 4 hours travelling south under motor, Aurora dropped anchor in the mirrored waters of Mikisfjord, a narrow fjord known to be a safe anchorage amidst the heavy ice conditions of, to the north, Nansen’s Fjord and the south, Kangerdlussuaq. Starting out from the Aurora in the small motor boat after a cooked breakfast, landfall is made on a rocky shore around 300m from the edge of a tidewater glacier. After 10 minutes picking our way over moraines, surprisingly abundant with mauve-purple flowers, the dry glacier is reached and we begin to make a steady ascent up the flanks of a peak we believe to be unclimbed; the glacier gradually rises to a col, from where, with incredible views over the pack ice we’d weaved through yesterday evening, a rocky ridge leads, via a couple of interesting steps, to the summit. No cairn, and so we celebrate the likely first ascent with a nip of whisky and then the packed lunches made in the yacht that now can only just be discerned amongst the icebergs in the fjord below. To the West, impressive alpine-scale peaks are stacked row-upon row, until the vast Icecap rises in the very distance. It’s scintillating to think that, outwith our own small group of 10, we’re so far removed from the next humans.''
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The Yacht
The Aurora is a 60 foot sloop that has sailed 4 times around the World and 3 times to Greenland. With berths for 12, heating and even a shower, think of the boat as a mobile mountain hut; a cosy place to eat a great meal after exciting days ashore. Siggi and Runar of Borea Expeditions crew the boat and make for excellent company - Siggi's a great cook and produces some fantastic food. Comprehensive info on the Aurora can be viewed by clicking here.
Life on Board
When the Aurora is underway, Runar and Siggi work in watches, 4 hours long in the day and 3 hours overnight; the sails are set, the course followed and any ice kept a close track of. Should you wish, you can join one of the watches, learning as you go. When below decks, the saloon offers a warm and comfortable place to read and relax.
Next Steps....
If you'd like to join us on this expedition, please contact us. We will then send out a booking form. Once your place onboard is confirmed, you will receive a comprehensive expedition dossier with lots of essential info (including equipment list).
We'd be more than happy to talk over the expedition with you should you have any questions. Either email your contact details through to us and we'll call you or reach the us on the following telephone number.