Exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Norwegian Fjords, our skipper Matt on the 16-day voyage – Norway Sailing Adventure to the Fjords and Back trip shares photos and gives his account of this incredible trip onboard the Challenger 72 yacht. Sunday, 11th June, 2023, 0900 Day 2: 246 miles logged, 390 miles to Norway Woken up 0620, although I think my subconscious had told me it was nearly morning. Bacon smells in the air will do that. 3 and a bit hour’s sleep, awake and ready for action. Well restored from a busy 2 days so far, this is our first morning of being truly on passage with a few ..read more

Read the latest missive from Challanger 1 as they have to change their destination – As the sun rose over the white cliffs of Yorkshire to reveal a crisp, clear blue sky, a well-rested and hungry set of sailors awoke to fill the galley. With a wide selection of cereal on offer, we set about crunching away in anticipation of the latest weather forecasts, and how we would make out way up to the Fjords. All huddled together around the big table, for the first time since we had entered our 3 watch system following dinner on our maiden evening, our crunches gave way to pin drop silence. With the we ..read more

Sailing to Norway – Day 1 Kindred Spirits Sailing to Norway – So the day we have all been looking forward to has finally arrived.  We each arrive bright eyed on the quay to meet our fellow sailors and the professional crew.  Warm greetings and cups of tea later we are thoroughly briefed, attired and lunched before for our impending voyage. We introduce ourselves.  For many of us it is our first long cross sea yacht voyage, for others a chance to visit somewhere new, for some their tentative next steps into the world of sailing.  Perhaps unsurprisingly, whilst each is here f ..read more

Exploring coastlines by boat always gives an interesting and unique perspective. Sailing the jaw-dropping dramatic Norwegian Fjords carved from rock by glaciers way back in the Ice Age really is the way to experience this breathtaking landscape. Cliffs that can tower up to 2000 feet, waterfalls pouring from the mountains, with snow-capped mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. You get a real sense of openness from the sheer scale of the land and the light is amazing. Whilst the wind will ultimately determine the itinerary there are so many beautiful stops you will enjoy wherever the wind tak ..read more

  What’s the first thought that springs to mind when someone suggest sailing around the northern isles? Is it the striking scenery, the peace and solitude? Meeting people living on the space between arctic and Europe? Or is it the challenge of the weather? In this blog you get a mixture of everything as the luxury yacht Santosa sails from Shetland to the Orkneys. Fair Winds for Fair Isle   We made a prompt start from Lerwick after welcoming Andrey and Marina on board Santosa on Tuesday 3rd September. The weather forecast wasn’t promising but as we had spent the day exploring Shetla ..read more

  A cruising sailing holiday on Santosa that takes in the Shetland and Orkney Islands is a special event in itself, and when it coincides with the 100th anniversary of an historic naval event it makes the holiday more memorable, but poignant at the same time. Here are Sue’s thoughts on what she saw and felt. The History Of Scapa Flow Good afternoon all! It is 100 years since the German High Seas Fleet was scuttled at Scapa Flow on the orders of Admiral Ludvig Von Reuter, based on news gleaned from a three day old copy of The Times. The fleet had been interred at Scapa Flow under the ter ..read more

  Time to leave the arctic waters for the luxury yacht Santosa with a north sea crossing to Shetland next on the agenda. In this blog, you’ll see how important it is to get the weather and your timings just right. Goodbye To Alesund and The Geirangerfjord Wednesday 28th August was the date we scheduled to begin our passage to Shetland. After a couple of warm, sunny & windless days exploring islands & anchorages, the weather forecast indicated 15 – 20kts from the south, dying off overnight & into Thursday before building from the south/southwest on Friday. We passage planned o ..read more

The luxury yacht Santosa has spent the summer months dipping in and out of the Arctic circle, sailing around the Lofoten islands, and forming a somewhat exclusive arctic swim club. During the latter stages of the summer they will return to Southampton via the northern isles, Scotland and the English west coast. However, this blog seems them begin to say goodbye to Norwegian waters and visit the island of Ona. Before We Go, Some Cake The new guest crew of Maddie & Rachel joined us in Trondheim on Saturday afternoon and we were keen, after welcome cake kindly left by Sophie, to get going as ..read more

Here is the latest update from a guest crew member on board Santosa as she passes out of the Arctic Circle and South towards Trondheim.  There are sea eagles, a lively sea, banana bread, fish finger sanwiches plus boat made rye bread,  delightful anchorages and glorious sunsets. Beautiful Morning Sky Day 4: Husoya to Bronnoysund. A mere 9 hour sea trip, covering 63NM and crossing out of the Arctic Circle . The day started bright and clear, but again insufficient wind to sail; at times the sea was like a millpond!! In house Entertainment So, entertainment included : what I see no wh ..read more

Here is the latest update from a guest crew member on board the good ship Santosa. Santosa is currently sailing down the west coast of Norway from Bodo to Trondheim. Day 3: Santosa, Norway. The day started sunny and bright at our mooring. Crew and guests (6 in total) set off on bikes for a 9km round trip to the edge of the glacier. Then a 2 hour hike to the glacier itself and what an awe-inspiring sight. A hike back via the glacial lake, where 3 of the group completed their triathlon with a swim! Set sail about 3pm and had the joy of a full sail for the first time, before mooring at Rodo ..read more