CROSSING THE DENMARK STRAIT
SAILING IN THE WAKE OF VIKING EXPLORERS
From Reykjavik, Iceland to Nuuk, Greenland
Embark with us on an incredible sailing adventure across the Greenland Sund that blends blue ocean and coastal sailing along the wild, rugged and breathtaking scenery of Greenlands eastern, southern and western shoreline.
Expedition plan
Dates: June 8, 2024 – June 29, 2024
Duration: 21 days
Port of departure: Reykjavik, Iceland
Port of arrival: Nuuk, Greenland
Yacht: Challenge ‘67
Expedition description
From June 8 to June 29, 2024, an international team of 15 explorers will embark on a maritime journey from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Nuuk, Greenland. The expedition will take place aboard a Challenge 67-class yacht, a robust 67-foot steel monohull sloop. The vessel, designed for demanding conditions, will be manned by a rotating crew of 12, with a mid-journey change of three members.
Crew and Leadership
The yacht will be captained by three seasoned skippers: Dominik Bac, Szczepan Twardoch, and Wojciech Jarosiński. Among the crew are three Royal Geographical Society Fellows: Greg Annandale, Vladimir Donkov, and Wojciech Jarosiński. This expedition is organized by the non-profit Expedition Cooperative, with participants selected for their extensive experience in polar sailing, accrued through previous expeditions with Expedition Cooperative and connections via the Explorers Connect website. This self-organized crew brings a wealth of knowledge, particularly in navigating icy waters in both the Southern and Northern Polar regions.
Itinerary and Route
The expedition is scheduled to depart Reykjavik no later than June 9. The team will navigate the Irminger Sea or Denmark Strait, depending on prevailing weather and ice conditions, aiming to reach Cape Farewell. The planned arrival in Qaqortoq, Greenland, on June 19 will facilitate the exchange of three crew members. The voyage will then proceed to Nuuk, Greenland, concluding on June 29 when the yacht will be handed over to a new crew. The total journey covers approximately 2,000 nautical miles in a straight line.
Objectives
The primary aim of the expedition is to capture the stark beauty of the Arctic through photography and videography. Additionally, the crew will undertake two significant research projects. The first, a biological study, involves sampling sea water to monitor environmental conditions. The second project, rooted in sociology, will examine the population dynamics of Greenlandic settlements.
Challenges and Mitigation
Sailing in polar regions presents inherent challenges such as severe weather, ice hazards, and isolation. Specific to this expedition are additional obstacles, including limited reliable nautical charts for Greenland's coastal waters and the need for thorough knowledge of the yacht’s condition. To address these risks, the team has conducted extensive research and meticulous planning to ensure a safe and successful voyage.
This expedition not only seeks to achieve its artistic and scientific goals but also aims to contribute valuable insights into the challenges and wonders of Arctic exploration.
Reference
For reference, check our blog with photos and videos from previous expeditions to get a feel for our kind of adventures:
Contact
Interested to find out more about joining this expedition? Please reach out via info@expeditioncoooperative.com
PLEASE NOTE
Conditions and circumstances can always change. We therefore need to be prepared for extreme flexibility and adaptability.