Sailing Conditions - from Tranquil Fjords to the Open Ocean

There’s a wide variety of routes, conditions, and experiences in yachting.
To put it simply, sailing is very different.
Our routes are typically categorized based on two main criteria: difficulty and type of waters.
To estimate difficulty, we use a "buff" scale from 1 to 5 🌊. It takes into account multiple factors, including the length of crossings, distance from shore, air and water temperature, typical wind strength and direction, wave height, navigational hazards, and other route-specific challenges. There aren’t any strict criteria, so we rate it based on our experience and expectations — but real conditions can vary.
Xploration sails through all kinds of waters — from sheltered fjords and coastal routes to island archipelagos, big ocean crossings, and even polar regions.
Each type shapes life on board in its own way and calls for different skills.
Let’s dive into them.

Specifics:

• Short passages (usually 20–40 nautical miles per day)
• Protected from ocean waves
• Constantly changing landscapes

Difficulty: 🌊–🌊🌊
Can increase to 🌊🌊🌊 in strong winds, especially in narrow straits or areas with strong tidal currents.
A Day on Board:
The day begins on deck with a cup of coffee, surrounded by towering cliffs mirrored in calm waters. Small coastal villages often dot the shoreline. After breakfast, we lift anchor and set sail. In sheltered waters, winds are usually light to moderate, so the engine often comes into play.
After a few hours of sailing, we reach the next stop—a secluded bay with a sandy beach or a small port with historic architecture. Once docked, there’s time to explore the surroundings, hike to a viewpoint, or visit a local café.
Example Route: South Greenland (Season 9, Stage 9.10)
This stage takes us to the the intricate fjord system around Kulusuk in East Greenland. We navigate through ice-filled waters between remote settlements, abandoned military bases, and active glaciers of the world's largest fjord system. Once moored, you can head ashore for a walk, visit waterfalls, or simply relax on board.

Specifics:

• Passages of 30–70 nautical miles per day
• Influence of tides and coastal currents
• Variety of ports and anchorages

Difficulty: 🌊🌊–🌊🌊🌊
Can increase with strong tides or heavy maritime traffic.
A Day on Board:
Coastal voyages often require an early start — either to complete the passage before the wind strengthens or to catch favorable currents. After lifting anchor or leaving the marina, we head into coastal waters, where waves are more noticeable and winds tend to be steadier.
Navigation is key — requiring close attention to shoals, buoys, and nearby vessels. Often, we tack against the wind or adjust our course depending on the currents. The day may end in a harbor rich with history or a quiet bay where only the gentle lapping of waves breaks the silence. We can also include 1–2 overnight passages per route.
Example Route: Trondheim – Trondheim –Bodø (Season 8, Stage 8.4)
This stage follows the Norwegian coast and crosses the Arctic Circle. The route combines sheltered waters between islands with more exposed passages that can bring ocean swells. Along the way, we visit the Halten archipelago, home to historic lighthouses, and sail through Saltstraumen—one of the world’s strongest tidal currents.

Specifics:

• Varying passage lengths between islands
• Frequent changes of anchorage
• Conditions ranging from sheltered channels to open crossings
• Unique island cultures and natural beauty

Difficulty: 🌊🌊–🌊🌊🌊
Depends on distances between islands and how protected they are
A Day on Board:
Mornings often begin with a walk on the island where we spent the night. After breakfast and a bit of exploring, we set off toward the next destination. The passage can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on distance and weather conditions.
Between islands, winds are typically stronger and waves more noticeable, but we often return to calmer waters soon after. Each island has its own character—from uninhabited rocky outcrops with seabird colonies to lively harbors steeped in history. Evenings are spent at anchor in secluded bays or docked in marinas.
Example Route: Lofoten Islands (Season 9, Stage 9.1)
The Lofoten archipelago is a dramatic mix of steep mountains, fjords, and fishing villages. We sail between islands, exploring narrow straits and hidden coves, hiking to scenic viewpoints, and observing local wildlife like seabirds and even sea eagles. The region’s coastal villages are known for their traditional wooden fish-drying racks.

Specifics:

• Long stretches away from shore (1–10+ days)
• 24/7 watch rotations
• Complete self-sufficiency
• Extended exposure to the open sea

Difficulty: 🌊🌊🌊🌊–🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Varies with passage length, season, and prevailing winds.
A Day on Board:
Time at sea flows differently. Life on board is organized around watch rotations — typically 3 hours on, 9 hours off. During watch, we keep an eye on the sails, maintain course, monitor nearby vessels, and log each shift and each significant occasion.
The first few days are spent adjusting to the motion and new routine. Gradually, the rhythm of the sea takes over—waves stretching to the horizon, endless skies, and star-filled nights. Free time is spent reading, cooking, playing games, or simply watching the water. In some areas, marine mammals or seabirds may appear alongside the boat.
Example Route: Svalbard – Iceland via Jan Mayen (Season 9, Stage 9.6)
This 17-day stage crosses the northern Atlantic, stopping at Jan Mayen Island and continuing along Greenland’s east coast. The route passes near the sea ice zone, where we carefully navigate around icebergs and shifting ice conditions. Long ocean stretches call for thorough preparation and full self-sufficiency.

Specifics:

• Cold temperatures
• Navigation based on ice conditions
• Extended daylight in summer
• Remoteness from infrastructure

Difficulty: 🌊🌊🌊–🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Increases with proximity to sea ice and icebergs.
A Day on Board:
Each day begins with an assessment of ice conditions. In summer, the long daylight hours allow for flexible sailing schedules, but maintaining a sleep routine is essential. Warm clothing is necessary even in summer, and hot drinks become a daily ritual.
During watch duty, we carefully monitor the surroundings for ice and sudden weather changes. Plans often need to be adjusted based on conditions. The landscapes are breathtaking—glaciers reaching the sea and encounters with Arctic wildlife.
Example Route: Svalbard (Season 9, Stage 9.5)
This 10-day expedition explores the Svalbard archipelago, reaching 80°N latitude. We sail past tidewater glaciers and encounter Arctic wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and possibly walruses. Safety is a top priority, requiring constant vigilance for changing weather and ice conditions.

Each type of sailing routes brings a different experience and requires its own set of skills—both for navigation and life on board. Our scale (1 to 5 🌊) help match routes with your level of experience and expectations.
It’s important to keep in mind that the sea is unpredictable. A route that seems easy one day might turn into a serious challenge the next, depending on weather and other conditions. Regardless of the difficulty, a sea journey lets you see the world from a new perspective. Our aim is to help you find a route that fits.