Svalbard - Spitsbergen on Barquentine Antigua

Voyage Number	AN02
Voyage price	€2450
Voyage Dates	11/09/2010 - 14:00 - 22/09/2010 - 12:00
Depart from	Longyearbyen
Finishing Port	Longyearbyen
Voyage area	Arctic , Spitsbergen
Voyage type	Adventure Voyage , Tall Ships , Wildlife Voyages
Vessel	Antigua
Availability	Limited places
	BOOKING FORM >>>

Voyage Description

Spitsbergen Summer 2012

Adventure Sailing on Tall Ship in Spitsbergen

Barquentine ‘Antigua’ runs regular 11 day summer sailing and wildlife expeditions to Spitsbergen. There are wildlife experts on board with considerable arctic experience to help you spot polar bears, walrus, cetaceans both at sea and ashore and it is a bird watchers paradise. Nothing beats being able to climb the rigging or go out on the bowsprit netting and watch this magnificent sailing ship as it slips silently through the water. Her voyages start from Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen / Svalbard so you maximise your time in the Arctic Circle.

The price is fixed in euros and includes all sailing training, accomodation aboard, meals and guided wildlife and cultural trips ashore. Give us a ring for a sterling quote on 01872 580022.

Antigua is licensed for worldwide charter and can take 32 guest crew. For more on the ship and photos see the vessel tab above.

You are encouraged to join the watches and take part in sailing, so this is a great activity holiday in the style of polar explorers from a by gone era.

Spitsbergen / Svalbard

In 1596 Willem Barentsz discovered snow covered mountains 600 miles further north than Norway and called it Spitzbergen. The archipelago is now called Svalbard. Once the haunt of whalers it draws wilderness lovers to its immense glaciers and intrepid sailors to its long fjords once the coastline is free of ice.

Square Rigger in the Arctic Circle

Deep in the Arctic Circle only 1000km from the North Pole, this raw, beautiful archipelago is enclosed in pack ice for most the year. In the Arctic summer the ice retreats and it teems with wildlife and flowers, the sun shines for 24hours.  Enjoy remote anchorages, walks ashore with experienced wildlife guides and sailing amongst different types of ice depending on the voyage dates.

Polar Bears & Walrus
Sixty percent of the land is glaciated but clinging to seacliffs are enormous breeding colonies of seabirds. On land arctic foxes, reindeer and polar bears roam (guides carry rifles as a precaution). At sea many types of whales, walrus and seals can be sighted. Antigua has a library and regular lectures are held in the lounge to learn more.

Special themed Photography Voyage in September 2012

See also our 8 day Photography Special in September where the nights are darker and you have more chance of seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora borealis), and the days have very special low light that makes the landscape photography opportunities quite awesome.  Combine this with living on a tall ship with blocks and tackles, a chance for action sailing shots all around you and the bonus of a birds eye view of wildlife from high up in the rigging and you can capture some really professional looking images.  On the September voyages there will be a specialist photographer with plenty of experience to teach you about taking wildlife and landscape photos.
 

Longyearbyen- Longyearbyen voyage SP-3

Day to Day programme
As with any sailing voyage this is a suggested itinerary. Where you actually go on each sailing expedition is very much dependant on the weather, wind direction, ice, time of year etc. Much of the experience of the best places to visit in this itinerary ship are based on Antiguas' previous trips. Her regular wildlife guides will also be on board passing on their arctic wildlife and practical experience of this dramatic coastline. Antigua’s crew will be keen to explore new places too.

You will do some cruising at night so as to make the most of the daylight hours ashore exploring the natural and man made habitats.

This itinerary is based on the 2011 8 day Photography special departure.

Day 1
You will join the ship in Longyearbyen in the afternoon. Longyeabyen is on the shores of an inland sea area known as Isfjord, and this area was one of the first to be discovered and used by miners and whalers.

After an initial safety briefing you will head to Grumantbyen, an abandoned mining settlement which  once had the largest population on Spitsbergen, at 1200, which is quite hard to believe when you see the few remains of habitation. The area was mined from 1912 to 1962 and ceased due to unsuitable anchoring positions and harbour facilities.

Day 2
After a night sail, you will awake in the beautiful St. Johnfjord. Ashore you will be able to choose between exploring the area on foot, or through the lens as you take in flora and fauna of Hermansenoya bird reserve.

You will also make a stop at Dahlbreen, a huge glacier, with the mountain tops of Prins Kars Foreland in the distance.

Day 3
Ny Alesund is an International Research Community with 14 stations owned by 10 countries. The area is owned by the Kings Bay Co who mined the area from 1917 to 1963.

In Ny-Ålesund you will find four months of polar night and four months of midnight sun. During the very darkest period, around christmas, there is literally no difference between night and day, while, on the other hand, the sun stays above the horizon all day and night during the summer months.

After lunch, you will move to nearby Blomstrand. Here, you can visit the industrial archaeology of the Mansfield Marble Mine. The marble mined here was found to be too soft for warmer climates, and so the mining came to a halt. You will be able to join groups for walking or for a more leisurely amble.

Overnight sailing to Magdalena Fjord.

Day 4
The natural surroundings of the Magdalena Fjorden are very characteristic. Spitzbergen means mountain peaks, and here you can clearly see why. Aforay ashore can walk up to the Gully Glacier. In the evening the ship can sail right up to the front of the glacier as it meets the sea – for some dramatic photos.

At the end of the day you will set sail for Amsterdam Island.

Day 5
Smeerenburg is one of the most famous whaling towns in the region. Approx 400 years ago, 200 men lived here in fairly comfortable surroundings in 19 houses. In the 17th century the fortunes of this settlement started to change, the whales were no longer in plenty, and the stations were closed down, with any useful machines and materials being dismantled and taken elsewhere.

Virgohamna is one of Svalbard's most important cultural heritage sites. On the beach are remains of blubber ovens and a Dutch whaling station. There are also graves from the whaling period. But Virgohamna is most famous for being the starting place of many an expedition attempting to reach the North Pole. Both Andrée (1896, 1897) and Wellman (1906, 1907, 1909) built bases here, consisting of a balloon shed, airship hangars and gas production works. The place was named after Andrée's steamship and transport vessel, the Virgo. All the areas with cultural remains in Virgohamna are protected.

Day 6

The name Trygghamna is derived from the old Dutch name Behouden Haven and the English Safe Harbour or Safe Haven, all with the same meaning. The name reflects on the West European whaling that was carried out around Svalbard in the 17th century when whales would swim into the fjords and subsequently be caught. Trygghamna was, and still is, the perfect harbour with good anchorage. Because of its favourable geographical position, this harbour was early known and continuously in use.

Day 7

Nordenskjoldbreen is a glacier, which standing 50 metres above you at its lowest, is truly awesome. On the other side of the fjord is Piramiden, a deserted Soviet mining town, once home to over 1000 inhabitants. Its quite eerie and serene to be walking down the boulevards, walking around the Lenin statue of this ghost like town which ceased to mine since 1988.

Day 8

Visit the nesting bird colonies of Puffins and Brunnichs Guillemots at Diabasodden, as you head back towards Longyearbyen. It may be possible to go ashore and walk to Hyperittfossen waterfall, before continuing your voyage along Sassenfjord and into Isfjord.

Day 9

A hard day as you say goodbye to the crew and depart Antigua after breakfast.

Tromso is part of all routes for Spitsbergen Voyages

Travel Information

Accomodation in Tromso

Tromsø has a good selection of Hotels etc see http://www.visit-tromso.no/

Longyearbyen

In the summer the best thing to do in Longyearbyen is to get on a ship to explore the fjords, glaciers and wild life of the remote northern islands of Spitsbergern also known as Svalbad or Svalbard.

There are only a few hotels in Longyearbyen so the summer rates are quite high. The Guesthouse below was recommended by the ships crew. It is still Scandinavian prices of around £57 for a single but a lot cheaper than the hotels and more character.

Gjestehuset “102” – The Guest House "102"
The oldest and most experienced of the miners lived in the “102” Guest House; they earned the most and had the most cash “on account”. The house was also called “Millionærheimen” or “The Millionaire Home”, and as it held the best standard of all the residences in Nybyen, it was a very popular place to live.

Today, the “Millionaire Home” is used as a guest house for travellers. It offers lodging with a special touch and an informal atmosphere. Here, you will get to know the other residents, and often, experiences and tips are exchanged in the course of the common breakfast.

The house has kept its standard from the times of the miners. These are lodgings suitable for the traveller who prioritises the experiences over a modern hotel room that you could find anywhere else in the world.

The guest house has 32 rooms divided by its two floors, shared TV rooms and kitchens for self-housekeeping. There are several bathrooms with shower and WC’s, and each room contains its own sink. Those who opt for the shared bedrooms should be prepared to share their room with other guests of both sexes.

Welcome to a night stop with history and soul. Our hosts will make sure that you have a pleasant stay!

E-mail: info@gjestehuset102.no
Phone: (+47) 79 02 57 16
Fax:  (+47) 79 02 56 81

Tromso is part of all routes for Spitsbergen Voyages

Travel Information

Accomodation in Tromso

Tromsø has a good selection of Hotels etc see http://www.visit-tromso.no/

Longyearbyen

In the summer the best thing to do in Longyearbyen is to get on a ship to explore the fjords, glaciers and wild life of the remote northern islands of Spitsbergern also known as Svalbad or Svalbard.

There are only a few hotels in Longyearbyen so the summer rates are quite high. The Guesthouse below was recommended by the ships crew. It is still Scandinavian prices of around £57 for a single but a lot cheaper than the hotels and more character.

Gjestehuset “102” – The Guest House "102"
The oldest and most experienced of the miners lived in the “102” Guest House; they earned the most and had the most cash “on account”. The house was also called “Millionærheimen” or “The Millionaire Home”, and as it held the best standard of all the residences in Nybyen, it was a very popular place to live.

Today, the “Millionaire Home” is used as a guest house for travellers. It offers lodging with a special touch and an informal atmosphere. Here, you will get to know the other residents, and often, experiences and tips are exchanged in the course of the common breakfast.

The house has kept its standard from the times of the miners. These are lodgings suitable for the traveller who prioritises the experiences over a modern hotel room that you could find anywhere else in the world.

The guest house has 32 rooms divided by its two floors, shared TV rooms and kitchens for self-housekeeping. There are several bathrooms with shower and WC’s, and each room contains its own sink. Those who opt for the shared bedrooms should be prepared to share their room with other guests of both sexes.

Welcome to a night stop with history and soul. Our hosts will make sure that you have a pleasant stay!

E-mail: info@gjestehuset102.no
Phone: (+47) 79 02 57 16
Fax:  (+47) 79 02 56 81

Barquentine ‘Antigua’

Dutch owned tall ship Antigua is replacing Oosterschelde in her regular summer expeditions to Spitzbergen.  The same wildlife experts will sail on ‘Antigua’ so you can benefit from their arctic experience. 2012 will be the fourth year that this ship has based herself in Spitsbergen for the summer. Antigua is licensed for worldwide charter and can take 32 guest crew. You are encouraged to join the watches and take part in sailing.

History Of The Antigua

The Antigua was built in 1957 as a fishing vessel in Thorne, Yorkshire (U.K.) and served in this capacity for  many years.

Her hull was built to be tough but seaworthy and the extradinary beauty of her lines was appreciated by keen eyed sailors. At the begining of 1990's it was decided to convert her to a tall ship and really take advantage of her wonderful shape.

She was refitted with all the comforts of a modern tallship, involving an extensive and loving conversion. The metamorphosis from fishing vessel to elegant three-masted barquentine took place gently, in style and with a real sense of tradition.

Style of Accomodation

The Barquentine Antigua now sails the seas on adventure voyages and has takes up to 32 gusets in 16 fully air-conditioned two-berth cabins that guarantee a comfortable stay onboard.

Barquentine Antigua has large middle deck making her easy to work on the sails and observe the sea and wildlife on her exciting passages.

Click here for voyages in Svalbard - Spitsbergen 2012

What to Bring

Personal items
• Passport
• Flight tickets
• Voyage Information
• Any Medication
• Insurance documents
• Washing kit and toiletries
• Clothing for a very cold climate - hat, gloves, scarf, multiple layers.
• Wellington Boots or Sailing Boots
• Hiking boots
• Thermal layers
• Full wet weather gear
• You can charge electrical appliances if you have an adapter for European two pin sockets.
• A book for the flight
• Camera and batteries – film
• Sketching materials if you are an artist
• Small musical instrument are always welcome

Already provided
Hand towels
Bed linen
All meals on board
You may purchase alcoholic drinks on board.
 

Sail Plan