Basecamp North West Spitsbergen Arctic Sail Cruise

10-DAY ARCTIC CRUISE 2010 onboard Noorderlicht

Departure: 1st of June 2010

BASECAMP SPITSBERGEN NORTH WEST SPITSBERGEN ARCTIC CRUISE is a 10 day cruise along the west and north coast of Spitsbergen aboard the sail-schooner Noorderlicht. The cruise starts in Longyearbyen, follows the west coast to the worlds northernmost settlement of Ny-Ålseund, passes Magdalenafjorden and the former whaling town of Smeerenburg. Depending on sea ice conditions we might pass 80oN. Early in the season the winter is slowly giving way to summer and nature is at its most beautiful. We’ll experience both seasons and this is truly a magnificent time of year in the Arctic.

The ‘Noorderlicht’ is a two-masted schooner celebrating her 100th birthday this year. In accordance with the strict safety rules from the Shipping Inspection, ‘Noorderlicht’ has the license to sail all around the world with passengers. The elegant hull and the well balanced rigging make her into a fast sailer. The comfortable two- master schooner, equipped for both warm and cold areas, is the
ideal ship for those who are into adventures.

The deckhouse and saloon below deck are spacious. Here you find
ten twin-cabins. Every cabin is equipped with 80x200cm bunks,
hot/cold running water and a 220V power point. Five toilets and
four showers are for communal use. The Chef prepares tasty meals
in the galley.
In the deckhouse you find an excellent selection of books about
Spitsbergen and Norway.

The crew consists of five members: Captain, 1st Mate, 2nd Mate,
Chef, and Expedition Leader.


Day 1, On arrival at Longyearbyen airport you will be met by a Basecamp Spitsbergen guide. We’ll then transfer to the harbor and embark on the ship. In the afternoon we sail out Isfjorden towards Trygghamna. Trygghamna is known for the mighty bird cliffs of Alkehornet and for its cultural remains from the 17th century whalers. Here we’ll see many of the species of birds living in the Arctic. The Polar Fox is a regular visitor, scavenging the base of the cliffs for food. Early in the season the might still be some sea-ice in front of the glaciers and the chances of spotting Ringed and Bearded Seals are good.

Day 2, In the morning we make a landing in Trygghamna. After lunch we sail along the west coast of Spitsbergen to Poolepynten on Prins Karls Forland. Here we’ll visit a Walrus colony. In the night we continue north to Magdalenafjorden – one of the most beautiful fjords on Svalbard.

Day 3, In the morning we make a landing at Gravneset - the old grave yard from the 17th century whaling era. We hike to Gullybreen. After lunch sightseeing of Waggonwaybreen. In the evening we sail to Birgerbukta.

Day 4, Morning walk in Birgerbukta. Ice conditions permitting, we then pass 80oN and sail to the Island Moffen, known for its Walrus colony. In the evening we sail around the peninsula of Reinsdyrflya to Worlseyhamna where we anchor for the night.

Day 5, Morning walk in Worsleyhamna. Reinsdyrsflya is the biggest tundra on Spitsbergen and home to a great number of Svalbard Reindeer. Here we also find many species of birds. After lunch we sail into Liefdefjorden where we cruise to the 5km long glacier front of Monacobreen. Here the chances of spotting Polar Bears are good. In the night we sail to Ytre Norskøya. Early in the season there might still be a lot of sea ice in this region.

Day 6, In the morning we make a landing at Ytre Norskøya. After lunch we visit Smeerenburg – the old whaling city, and Virgohamna – the place where the Swedish explorer Andrée started his fatal journey with the hot air balloon “the Eagle”. In the night we sail to Krossfjorden.

Day 7, In the morning we go for a walk nearby the Fjortende Julibreen. The day is spent in Krossfjorden. We’ll visit the bird cliffs of Cadiopynten and Tinayrebreen Glacier. In the evening we set the course for Ny Ålesund – the world northernmost settlement.

Day 8, After breakfast we visit Ny Ålesund. Once a mining village, Ny-Ålesund is now a research centre. Close to the village is a breeding ground for Barnacle Geese and Arctic Terns. There are several Arctic Fox dens in the area. Visitors interested in the history of Arctic exploration will find Ny- Ålseund very interesting. In the afternoon we sail further into Kongsfjorden to Ossian Sarsfjellet bird sanctuary and sightseeing of Kongsbreen Glacier.

Day 9, In the morning we enter Isfjorden once again. On Kapp Linné, at the mouth of the fjord sits the old radio communications-station Isfjord Radio. We’ll visit the station and the near-by bird sanctuary. After lunch we continue towards Longyearbyen. In the evening there will be served the “Captains Dinner”.

Day 10, Breakfast and disembarking. Possibility for sightseeing and shopping in Longyearbyen. Transfer to the airport at 13.00. Departure for Oslo at 14.45.

Departure: 1st of June 2010

Booking: BASECAMP EXPLORER or phone: +47 79024600

Included: Transfer to and from airport, 10-day cruise aboard the Noorderlicht, land arrangements during the sail and guiding.

Additional costs: Drinks and souvenirs, meals in Longyearbyen, airfares.

Departure: 1th of June 2010, embarking the ship at 1700 hrs.

Clothes/ equipment: We recommend warm and windproof clothing, small back pack for camera etc. solid hiking boots, hat,
gloves, wool socks and underwear, long underwear, a warm sweater and hiking trousers. Slippers are nice to have onboard the
ship. Remember to bring your camera and binoculars!
See packing list at www.basecampexplorer.com for further details.

Acceptance of risk: http://www.basecampexplorer.com/kopi_av_booking/129040

Additional costs: Drinks and souvenirs, meals in Longyearbyen, airfares.

The ice-conditions and Arctic weather will determine the final sail plan. The route might change and or some landings might
differ.
We will have a land and boat based back – up program to meet unknown ice–conditions.