The ship and captain

Ahoy there!
My name is Simon, I’m a farm boy and medical student from the Trøndelag region in Norway, and long-distance sailing has been my main passion for the last 15 years. I have by now logged more than 25 000 nautical miles, the majority of them with my current sailboat S/Y Aurora.

Although I’ve done my fair share of sailing in both the Caribbean and the Mediterranean Sea, my real passion now lies in bluewater arctic sailing, which is why I choose to sail year-round in the high latitudes with Svalbard as my home during the summer months. I can testify to the fact that once you get bitten by the arctic bug; there is no going back.

I am a certified skipper by Norwegian 12-PAX regulations, and both I and Aurora are authorized for commercial sailing in the Arctic.

S/Y Aurora is a Bavaria 34AC from 2001. Of the five sailboats I’ve owned and sailed, she is by far my favourite, as she is both spacious and comfortable at anchor while still being fast and maneuvrable when under sail.

Aurora has been thouroughly upgraded for a life in the arctic, with both a forced air diesel heater and solid fuel stove, extra insulation, brand new beefed up Dyform standing rigging, brand new black pirate sails, all new ocean grade safetly equipment and much, much more.

Life onboard a sailboat in the Arctic is relatively simple and humble, but for the adventurous soul there is truly no better way to travel. We are basically one with nature the entire week, and in a magic place like Svalbard that is no small thing.
No previous sailing experience is required, but everyone is expected to help out with the daily chores whilst onboard.

For a complete list of the amenities onboard, see our FAQ.
Photos of the boat’s interior below.