Sail and Science Lofoten 2022-23
We look constantly for ways to use sailing and experiences in nature as a medium for communicating climate science. Our Sail & Science trips were aimed at creating an engaging learning experience, synergised with adventure and Lofotens inspiring nature.
Lofoten with its fjords and islands is a cruising paradise, but also a brilliant region for observing aspects of arctic climate and ocean science. Lofoten hosts the greatest temperature anomaly relative to latitude in the world, and a uniquely rich marine ekosystem below the surface.
The Sail & Science weeks consisted of an adventurous sailing itinerary along the peninsula, and a science program put together by crew Isak and Alex together with students and professors at the University of Bergen, and with scientific counsel from professor Johan Rockström. During the summers of 2022-23 we hosted highschool graduates, families and scientists on these exiting trips!
I loved the balance of Sail & Science. The combo included not only sailing, exploring and learning, but also the little adventures we invented ourselves. The agenda was set by the winds, and wherever we went it was fantastic. We met the sunrise on the morning hike, took the dingy to a deserted beach on Værøy, spontaneously barbecued on Bune's sand dunes, rented a hot tub and swam in the arctic waters of Henningsvær… the list goes on.
Incredibly beautiful, educational and above all relaxed.
- Fredrik
Day 1
Arrive in the afternoon after 16.00 and get settled onboard the Abel Tasman in Svolvær. We will get to know each other and the yacht, going through safety procedures and the basics of being part of a crew. We have dinner and discuss the coming week, looking at potential destinations and current weather conditions, on which our itinerary will strongly depend. If we feel energised after dinner and if winds are good we might even start sailing that evening.
Day 2 - 6
Over these 5 days we explore our favourite places around Lofoten and go through our “Science” program. We start days together around breakfast looking at what our current location has to offer. The crew will take you on joint activities to known and less known attractions, though there will be time for you to arrange your own hikes, morning swims or walks through galleries and shops. All meals during the week will be served onboard, though we highly recommend trying one of the local restaurants!
Usually we sail between 2 - 6 hours at least 4 of these days, avoiding motoring as much as possible. 1- 2 hours a day are dedicated to our science program in the form of presentations, discussions and other activities, though the subject often pops up at other moments throughout our trip. We might finish off with a quiz, brainstorm, or some other fun activity to wrap up this very serious subject!
Day 7
On our last day we will be back in Svolvær, where we clean up the yacht together and end our trip sometime late morning.
Included:
☐ All boat-related costs such as fuel, harbor fees and spare parts as well as usage of all onboard equipment.
☐ A personal life jacket for the whole trip
☐ All food and drink that we consume onboard, except optional beer and wine or other luxuries (Bring your own or ask us stock up before you arrive)
☐ A bunk bed with a comfy duvet, pillow and bed linen
Not Included:
☐ Travel to and from the boat
☐ Optional meals ashore (Restaurants, cafes etc.)
☐ Optional onshore activities we might want to do during the trip, such as museums, guided tours or renting kayaks.
Safety:
Safety is our number one priority onboard and we will begin with briefing you about possible situations, the safety equipment onboard, and procedures in case of an emergency. The boat has all the necessary safety equipment onboard and we have inflatable life jackets for everyone. The crew has STCW certificates for safety onboard including fire prevention/extinguishing, first aid and CPR, liferaft-handling, and survival techniques at sea.
Life onboard:
The Abel Tasman is a well-proven expedition yacht, while not a luxury yacht she is a very safe and comfortable home. As on all sailboats we will be living close to each other. Be prepared to share a cabin with bunk beds and to squeeze in together around the dinner table. We hope you will feel welcome onboard and use all the areas as you would at home. When we are sailing we want you to feel like a part of the crew and as much as possible take part in all the tasks, such as sail-handling, steering, and mooring. At sea everyday tasks are a bit harder than ashore and we will all work together with keeping the boat tidy, cooking, and do dishes. The nights will either be spent anchored in a bay where we have to use the dinghy to get to land, or in a marina of a nice town.
Getting here:
Svolvær is best reached by ferry from Bodø or by bus from Narvik train station. Arriving by
flight is also possible to the small Svolvær airport or the larger international airport in Narvik. Arriving by car is a possibility as well.
Level of trip:
There are no requirements of previous sailing experience and the Abel Tasman is a very safe and stable vessel, ideal to get introduced to the world of sailing. We are very happy to teach, and hope you will learn a lot about sailing during the trip. However, you should bear in mind that this is not a luxury cruise, but rather an expedition style adventure where you will be a part of the crew. When we are ashore we will do moderately challenging hikes and excursions, these are optional but we hope everyone will be eager to join.
Food:
We will stock up the boat before you arrive with food, snacks, and drinks. Most food will be cooked onboard, doing simpler meals while we are sailing and more advanced meals while moored. Cooking and cleaning in the galley will be a shared duty and everyone will take turns making meals. If you have any allergies or specific preferences you have to tell us beforehand so we know what to buy. A few times along the way we will have the possibility to eat at a nice restaurant or cafe.