Sail and Explore Iceland

Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland and tick this mysterious island off your sailing bucket list,  join the steal 70-foot ocean-going cutter Global Surveyor as she sails the west coast of Iceland from Reykjavik to the Westfjords of Iceland this summer!

Your sailing adventure

From Reykjavik, we sail across Faza Bay to Olafsvijk, a picturesque Icelandic fishing village with just over 1000 inhabitants, located on the western side of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Olafsvijk is known for whale watching and the Ólafsvíkurkirkja church, the memorial to drowned fishermen and the beautiful Bæjarfoss waterfall.

We sail across Bjerdha Fjord to the Grundarfjrdur area. Grundarfjörður is a town in the north of the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland. It lies between a mountain range and the sea and is one of the most popular fishing villages on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. The village is located next to Kirkjufell, a distinctively shaped peak known as the Arrowhead in Game Of Thrones.

From the Snæfellsnes peninsula, we continue northwards around the Látrabjarg bird cliffs in the Westfjords. It is the largest seabird cliff in Iceland and a place where millions of seabirds reside and where puffins live in abundance. Látrabjarg is also one of the most wester parts of Europe.

The Westfjords of Iceland is a rugged, fjord-carved area with many natural wonders, breathtaking landscapes, stunning fjords and the most magical hot pools. This remote, unspoilt and least populated area of Iceland lies on the Denmark Strait, opposite the east coast of Greenland. We will explore this true Icelandic wilderness, anchoring in secluded bays and bathing in thermal springs. We will visit the breathtaking Dynjandi waterfalls in Dynjandisvogur bay and Arnarfjörður fjord. With a total height of 100 metres, it is the largest waterfall and the most beautiful attraction in the Westfjords. From here the boat will return to Olafsvijk.

The route may be changed at the last minute due to weather conditions during our trip. The adventures are led by either our Chief or Senior Instructors Danny or Ales. Danny and Ales have extensive experience in this area and have led  around 20 expeditions in Iceland in the last 6 years.

The 7 day sailing adventure will be a combination of day and overnight passages to make the most of your time exploring this place and time ashore. It is an involved passage the crew will be part of the passage planning, provisioning, boat preparation and part of the watch system that make it happen. Our skippers are Yachtmaster Instructors so whether you are an experienced sailor or novice they will be able to pass on some tips along the way.

Preparing your journey

Our Global Surveyor sailings are suitable for people with no sailing experience, up to those who are experienced sailors. If you have little-to-no experience, please speak to Victoria at Go West Sailing so we can chat through sea life with you. We can also advise you on what you should pack and bring on board and hire waterproof garments typically worn by sailors.

We will let you know everything you need to get to and from Reykjavik and Olafsvik based on our previous experience. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

Expedition yacht Global Surveyor

We were delighted to welcome to the fleet Global Surveyor to Go West Sailing in 2020; she’s aptly described as the ultimate machine. Global Surveyor was designed and built by Gunter Marine and the original owner Graham Lascelles for round the world sailing. The original build was in 1998 and she has been extensively refitted in 2020. She was intentionally over-specced with 7 watertight compartments and crash bulkheads, extra thick hull, over-sized cutter rig, 150kg main anchor, and diesel tank which holds 2000 litres with many other extras that are not an everyday occurrence on a sailing yacht. She has extensive safety kit including 2 ocean class 12 person life raft and satellite communication.

• Seven watertight sections and crash bulkheads;
• Designed to withstand collisions with ice, containers and groundings;
• Overbuilt cutter rig;
• Fully insulated with 3 independent diesel heaters;
• 2000 litres of water in 2 tanks;
• 2000 litres of diesel in 2 tanks;
• 5 cabins and 2 heads including shower area;
• Very large saloon with mahogany wooden trim;
• Deck house to protect from elements;
• Extensive safety kit including 2 ocean class 12 person life rafts;
• Satellite communication;
• 150 kg main and 63 kg kedge anchor.

Internally, she has been designed with comfort and safety in mind. There is a very large saloon complete with mahogany trim and a dining table to seat 16 comfortably. Each cabin has been fitted with overhead reading lights and USB port to allow for device charging. The yacht has been designed to carry 16 passengers, however we keep this to a maximum of 10 plus 2 crew between 5 spacious cabins. This also ensures a really hands-on experience. You can watch Global Surveyor videos on our YouTube.

Included in the price

As with all our trips, all on-board expenses are included in the price - no hidden costs or surprises. The price is £895 per person and includes:

• 7 nights accommodation on Global Surveyor,
• All onboard meals and snacks;
• Fuel and gas;
• Skipper/guide;
• First mate/engineer;
• Marina and harbour fees;
• Bedding (sheet and pillowcase)

Optional - not included in the price: oil skins hire £3.50 per item per day, final cleaning service at £12.50 per person, eating in restaurant ashore, visitors fees to museum or attractions, flights, transfers to starting and end destination etc.

Book your spot below or phone us if you have any questions 01475 789837, you can also chat to us on WhatsApp.