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THROUGH ARCTICSVALBARD EXPEDITION 2023AGAINST POLLUTION
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THROUGH ARCTICSVALBARD EXPEDITION 2023AGAINST POLLUTION
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THROUGH ARCTICSVALBARD EXPEDITION 2023AGAINST POLLUTION
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THROUGH ARCTICSVALBARD EXPEDITION 2023AGAINST POLLUTION
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THROUGH ARCTICSVALBARD EXPEDITION 2023AGAINST POLLUTION
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THROUGH ARCTICSVALBARD EXPEDITION 2023AGAINST POLLUTION
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THROUGH ARCTICSVALBARD EXPEDITION 2023AGAINST POLLUTION
Svalbard Expedition 2022
In 2019, after 5 years of intensive preparations, we made a successful expedition with our sailing boat Midnight Blue to the Spitsbergen shores. We become the first Czech crew to do so with a fibreglass sailboat. However, breaking records was not the aim of the cruise. The main objectives were the collection of seawater samples to determine the concentration of microplastics and to point out climate warming and the effects of (plastic) pollution on the planet.
As a reward, we have many unforgettable memories not just in the form of watching herds of fin whales counting several tens to hundreds, jumping humpback whales, watching walruses in their natural environment, adrenaline overnight anchoring near the breaking glacier wall, long days with the never-setting sun, but also in adrenaline associated with demanding sailing in the harsh conditions of the Arctic Ocean, where we did not see any sign of civilization for several days and had to rely on each other and our own abilities, the landing parties and hikes to the mainland when we had to be wary of polar bears and many other adventures.
Without exaggeration, all this has changed our lives. The experiences were so strong that, even more, than a year from an expedition now single day does not pass when without recall. We have felt the touch of nature's beauty which found its way into our hearts and minds. We decided to give the opportunity to experience these unique feelings to other people and for 2023 we are preparing a big return. With more experience and the same determination, we will once again head off deep beyond the Arctic Circle, and the main objective of the voyage will be further exploring the local nature for the presence of microplastics, waste collection and as such, the entire expedition will serve to promote sustainable ways of life.
The expedition is currently in a state of preparation and looking for those who are interested join the crew. Therefore, any information regarding its organization should be taken as preliminary.
We would also like to draw your attention to the exclusive expedition nature of this sailing trip. As such, it should be taken into account that both the organization and, above all, the voyage itself requires a good deal of adaptability and improvisation if circumstances require so.
Pokud vás účast na plavbě zajímá a chtěli byste vědět více podrobností, neváhejte nás kontaktovat.
Dates and prices
*Dates will be specified during the beginning of 2022 according to the possibilities of those interested in the sailing trip.
The voyage is likely to be divided into several stages 10, 14, or 21 days long.
**The price is only approximate and will be specified at the moment the capacity of the ship will be filled up
and with regards to the development of the exchange rate of currencies
and other factors affecting the price.
Price includes:
Sailboat rental
Accomodation aboard
Skipper
Boat insurance
2x harbour fees
Security equipment
Administrative fees for a voyage permit obtaining
Weapon and satellite phone rental
Price does not include:
Individual travel insurance
Transportation and food during sailing trip
Private expenses (entrance fees, etc.)
Fuel consumption
Extra harbour fees
General information about sail trip
More information about the expedition will be given to those who wish to participate (by completing the form available after clicking on the EXPRESS INTEREST button above or via the link HERE) at the information meeting/webinar in November or December 2021. Below are just some of the important points.
CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE EXPEDITION
Since it is a very difficult sail trip through the Arctic Ocean, which will fully test both the physical and mental resistance and character qualities of each participant, all candidates must meet the following:
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Have previous experience of sailing at sea from any of sail trips organized by the Serenity Explorers during 2021 - 2022 or in spring 2023.
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Have sent the motivation letter to Tomas Brazdil (Serenity Explorers), captain of the expedition, in which you summarize your motives why you want to participate on the expedition, what is your idea of it, what you are afraid of and how you intend to contribute to an expedition success (whether during the expedition itself or during its preparation).
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100% participation in organization and training meetings/webinars held during 2022.
However, meeting these conditions is not an automatic guarantee of participation. The final selection of the crew is fully in the hands of the captain of the expedition, Tomas Brazdil (Serenity Explorers), who is authorized to approve or refuse participation without giving any reason.
NUMBER OF BERTHS
Sail trip is open for individuals and groups up to the maximum capacity of the sailboat, which is a crew of 7 people (plus skipper). For capacity, safety, and other reasons cabins are shared.
PLACE OF EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION
The Norwegian city of Tromsø and Longyearbyen on Spitsbergen. It will be specified according to the variant of the passage and the state of the preparations no soon than in autumn 2022.
HOW TO GET (FROM) THERE
Both cities - Tromsø and Longyearbyen - have airports. The return ticket from Prague to Tromsø in 2019 was around 7-10 thousand CZK. The return ticket to Longyearbyen ranged from 9 to 12 thousand CZK.
Transport to/from the place of departure/arrival takes place individually or in a group, according to crew decision. If not stated otherwise, travel expenses (except by our sailboat) are not included in the price.
We will be pleased to provide you with more information on this topic. In case of interest, we are also able to arrange tickets for a fee.
FOOD AND COOKING
On our sailing trips, everyone contributes to the operation of the boat. And cooking is not an exception. Every crew member takes his turn in the galley, and we are happy to learn beginners to some cooking skills and basic recipes.
In advance of the sailing trip, the menu, concerning allergies and diets of participants, is set up by the crew. The daily menu usually consists of 3 meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with small snacks. The hot meal takes place at least once, but more often twice a day.
Chosen food and menu are fully subordinate to the expeditionary nature of this expedition, and although we strive to get as close as possible to ordinary meals, it must be kept in mind that we cannot fully guarantee such comfort. The crew makes provisions shopping in the day of embarkation.
For more information on catering, visit the FAQ section.
ACCOMMODATION
SAILING LEVEL
This expedition has the highest difficulty rating of our trips. It is rated by number 5 from the 5-degree difficulty scale of our sail trips as shown HERE.
5 - Physically and mentally very demanding sail trip with expedition character. The sailing trip includes several days long non-stop ocean sailing beyond shore sight or reach of any outside assistance. Some previous experience with sailing is mandatory. Among other things, attendance at the introductory and educational meetings/webinars organized by the captain of the expedition and assistance with the preparation of the expedition are mandatory. During the voyage continuous watch shifts, full participation in the management of the voyage and management of the ship under all weather conditions are expected and all hands on deck are obligated to participate. The crew is expected to fully and consistently obey the captain's orders and decisions. The accompanying program may include several days 'hard' crossings in impenetrable terrain or with a large elevation. Although people without previous sailing experience can apply for the expedition, the final assessment of whether or not you are of capable participation and your final admission to the crew is fully within the competence of the expedition captain. (Even for those individuals with previous sailing experience.)
EQUIPMENT
The expedition sets high demands on the quality and composition of clothing. Great emphasis is focused on the wind and water resistance of clothing and footwear. Equipment and clothing are consulted with the crews at the expedition introductory information meeting/webinar. The list of mandatory and compulsory equipment will be sent after sail trip enrolment. Waterproof clothing for sailing can be rented.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
In theory, an identity card should be sufficient for traveling to Norway and Spitsbergen. However, during the voyage, we enter international waters and it is, therefore, necessary to have a valid PASSPORT. If you are traveling with a document other than a Czech one, in your own interest check with the Embassy if you need a visa or other entry permit.
ENVIRONMENT and SUSTAINABILITY
Both sailing and backcountry trips are environmentally friendly activities and we sail as much as we can and use the engine as little as possible. We encourage crew and participants to travel as environmentally friendly as possible, and we use local ingredients and resources as far as possible. We also motivate crew members to collect litter and clean ocean trash from beaches.
We believe that sailing is an exercise in sustainability; we move with the wind and we have limitations on things like water, diesel, electricity, and food. In order to run sustainable - knowledge, patience, agility, and hard work are required. The same can be said about many other things that one tries to do in a sustainable way.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us using our contact form. Some information (in view of this expedition rather general or illustrative) can be found in the FAQ section.
Serenity explorers
We sail the seas, climb mountains, create a space for adventure for all who desire to know themselves better and find peace in hectic times.