Northwest Passage

Sail The Legendary Northwest Passage

Join us on an extraordinary journey through one of the most remote and storied sea routes in the world. The Northwest Passage weaves its way through the high Arctic, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across a labyrinth of ice, fjords, and islands. Historic briefings bring the region's history and Arctic exploration to life, while offering context on Indigenous histories, and a documentary captures the expedition.

To sail the Northwest Passage today is to embrace the pure spirit of discovery — following in the wake of explorers, and the Indigenous peoples whose knowledge of these waters has been essential for generations.

Nuuk - Nome, 3400 nm, July - August, 45 Days

An expedition that combines Arctic adventure, historical discovery, and cinematic storytelling.

Learn from History and Experience Adventure

Join Hilda Christensson for storytelling and historical briefings that explore Arctic exploration, Indigenous histories, and the great narratives of the Northwest Passage.

Be Part of a Documentary

Filmmaker Alex Stone from Wild Films, an experienced documentary company specialising in extreme-environment storytelling, will capture the expedition on film — from Arctic landscapes to the stories and adventures onboard. Footage showcases life onboard.

Sailing through the Arctic on Quest is not a conventional holiday — it is an expedition at sea, where every person on board is part of the team. This means that you will be a part of the crew, sharing both the challenges and the rewards of life under sail.

What to Expect

On board Quest, everyone contributes to the smooth running of the vessel:

The Expedition Spirit

This journey demands flexibility, resilience, and a sense of adventure. The Arctic is unpredictable: ice may block a channel, storms may shift our schedule, or wildlife encounters may invite us to linger.

Do I have to have sailing experience?

No prior sailing experience is required to join our expedition. We welcome adventurous travelers from all backgrounds. Our professional crew will guide, teach, and oversee every aspect of life at sea.

A Note on Preparation

While no prior sailing experience is required, we do recommend that you try sailing at least once before joining Quest. Conditions will be demanding, with long days, Arctic weather, and the unpredictability of ice and sea.

Physical & Mental Fitness

Sailing the Northwest Passage is not a cruise — it is a true expedition. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be in good overall health and prepared for long days, unpredictable weather, and the challenges of life at sea.

Quest is no ordinary sailing yacht. Designed and built by Captain Goeran, she was conceived from the keel up as a true expedition vessel, capable of thriving in the world's harshest environments.

What truly sets Quest apart is her construction. Her welds are certified to Level 4 — the same standard required for icebreakers — ensuring maximum hull integrity in icy waters. She has been surveyed and approved by the Swedish Maritime Authority for safe operations in the most extreme regions on Earth, including the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

Quest is also built for comfort as much as safety. With four inches of insulation, central heating, and floor heating throughout, she offers warmth even in the most unforgiving polar conditions.

Captain Göran Persson

Hilda Christensson, First Mate & Historic Guide

Alex Stone, Adventure Filmmaker

Start – Nuuk, Greenland

Our journey begins in Nuuk, Greenland. Set against dramatic fjords and steep mountains, Nuuk has long been a meeting point between Arctic tradition and modern life.

West Coast of Greenland – Ilulissat & the Icefjord

Sailing north along Greenland's rugged west coast, we may make our way to Ilulissat, if the conditions allow, home to the world-famous Icefjord. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most active glacier fronts in the Northern Hemisphere.

Lancaster Sound – Gateway to the High Arctic

Entering Lancaster Sound, we reach one of the most significant gateways of the Northwest Passage.

Franklin Strait

Franklin Strait, a narrow and historically significant stretch of water named after Sir John Franklin.

Victoria Strait

Further west lies Victoria Strait, an area deeply tied to the history of the Northwest Passage.

Amundsen Gulf – Toward the Western Arctic

As the route opens into the Amundsen Gulf, the waterways widen and the landscape shifts once again.

Destination – Nome, Alaska

Our voyage concludes in Nome, Alaska, on the western edge of the continent where the Arctic meets the Pacific.

Along our route, we recognise that much of the Arctic is Indigenous homeland. Community visits are only undertaken where appropriate and locally welcomed, and we follow all local regulations, permitting requirements, and guidance from community representatives.

The idea of a sea route through the Arctic took shape during the Age of Discovery. From the late fifteenth century onward, European powers sought a navigable channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Early expeditions, led by figures such as Martin Frobisher (1576) and John Davis (1585), braved these icy waters. The most tragic of these voyages was Sir John Franklin's expedition (1845). Commanding two advanced Royal Navy ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, Franklin and his 129 men set out with confidence — but they never returned.

Please Note: Our route through the Northwest Passage is highly dependent on weather, ice conditions, and safety considerations. Flexibility is essential in the Arctic, and every change offers a unique opportunity to explore new landscapes and experiences.