Svalbard Cruising Resources – Updated for 2025
2025 Update – Some useful resource links and downloads for Sailing to Svalbard updated to include the new regulations that came into force 1st Jan 2025
International Polar Bear Day
Embarking on a self-funded 5000-mile journey from Scotland to Svalbard, Snow Bear’s crew aims to raise awareness about polar bear conservation in the face of habitat loss. Follow their adventure on the website and Facebook page @snowbearsailing. Support Polar Bears International with donations for vital research and education efforts.
The wind is a challenge on this coast – Villa Island
With another day of motoring, they pushed through the desire to stay in harbor and watch movies, realizing the importance of progress. The clear day revealed a northern landscape with disappearing trees and golden hues. The fishing industry’s presence was evident with circular fish farms. Passing through narrow entrances, they anchored at Villa Island’s secluded pontoon harbor, enjoying its picturesque tranquility. A chance encounter with a mink catcher added an unexpected, yet amusing, twist to the day.
Expedition Defensive Weapons Training
Prepared for the Arctic, I received intensive training from the National Rifle Association on weapons handling and shooting under duress for Polar Bear defense. The necessity of shooting within 25 meters underscores the urgency of remaining vigilant in the Arctic’s challenging conditions, with hopes that such training is never needed.
Another day at the Crinan Canal
13th May 2023 So today we had to open and close a lot of manual locks. It was hard work to be crew running back and forth to open and close the locks, but also …
Too many Bananas
Our shopping strategy may lack organization, often forgetting basic items like eggs. Fearing a banana shortage, we ended up with an excess and decided on a banana cake during our first day sailing without Ilse. While Steve steered, Sarah, the better cook, baked below deck, enjoying the benefits of having an activity, warmth, and delicious cake on a chilly Norwegian day.
Cruising Plan for 2023
Embarking in May 2023, our voyage spans 5000NM, navigating from the West Coast of Scotland to destinations like Fair Isle, Shetland, Norway (Lofoten Islands included). We’ll spend 4 weeks in Svalbard, reaching 80 Degrees North, with a return route via Jan Mayen, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. Afterward, we intend to continue south, venturing across the Atlantic toward Brazil or the Caribbean for sun-soaked adventures.
Merry Christmas 2022 – Portavadie Marina
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2023! Exciting plans ahead as I return to Svalbard, sailing Snow Bear from Scotland via the spectacular Norwegian Coast. If you’re interested in joining as crew or a buddy boat, get in touch. Cheers to a year of adventure!
Upgrades and Improvements
In December, focused on essential upgrades for Snow Bear. Top four include boosting heating to 5.5KW with Thermoconnect for remote monitoring, enhancing comfort with a new cockpit enclosure from Rossy, ensuring safety with emergency 4700GPH bilge pumps, and optimizing storage through organizational additions, like baskets in the engine room. Comprehensive equipment inventory done.
Digital Logbook Evaluation
Snow Bear’s 2022 logbook is now being automated and digitized with the Ships Logbook for Captains app, using NMEA data on the boat’s Wi-Fi network. Despite occasional technical glitches, the app records position, status updates, and various entries efficiently. The log can be backed up, and exports to CSV and PDF formats are available.