Author: Daniel

After months of preparation, Polaris Helvetica finally sets sail from Tromsø for Svalbard – 550 nautical miles across the wild Barents Sea.

This first episode of Expedition Svalbard reveals every step of the preparation: securing permits for one of the world’s most remote and protected areas, arranging special Arctic insurance, upgrading the anchor chain and fuel capacity, loading safety gear for polar-bear encounters, checking the rig and communication systems from Starlink to Iridium Go.

Follow us and our crew member for this expedition, Anton, as we clear out through Tromsø Police, review weather models and routing options, and finally cast off for the long voyage north under the midnight sun.

A real-world insight into what it takes to sail your own yacht to Svalbard — logistics, risks and the excitement of heading into the Arctic wilderness.

Sailing through the far north of Norway, in this episode we take you from Hammerfest to Tromsø.

We leave the world’s northernmost town, explore history of Finnmark’s WWII destruction, and crosse the notorious Lopphavet – one of Norway’s most dangerous sea areas.

We document the 85-nautical-mile passage across Arctic waters, reflecting on the reconstruction of the region and the endurance of those who live here.

With rugged coastlines, stunning landscapes, calm seas, and moments of solitude, this episode captures the essence of Arctic sailing: unpredictable, harsh, and deeply beautiful.

Welcome aboard Polaris as we launch into a brand-new Arctic sailing season!

In this episode, we kick off with a quick check dive in icy one-degree water to inspect the hull and replace anodes after more than a year in the water.

From there, we set off from Skjervøy toward Hammerfest, navigating calm fjords, narrow tidal sounds, and a sea full of king crab pots.

Along the way, we round the iconic North Cape (Nordkapp) in perfect weather — a highlight of any Arctic voyage — and stop in Honningsvåg, the town closest to the Cape.

There, we climb the famous Nordtrappa, a thousand-step granite staircase built by Nepalese Sherpas, offering panoramic views over the Arctic Ocean.

We encounter strong currents, light winds, and long motoring stretches through Finnmark’s stunning coastal wilderness. With the Midnight Sun above us and snowy peaks all around, it’s the perfect start to another season in the High North.