Beschrijving
DISKO BAY SAILING & PHOTO WORKSHOP – ROUGH, REAL & REMOTE GREENLAND
Expedition style sailing in the Arctic as companions on invitation only. Economical and still not on a shoestring, against a contribution level you may afford. Adventurous, by times out of comfort, overall extremely satisfying.
This sailing will be specifically devoted towards photographers. The biggest difference with the ‘regular’ sailings is that we will try to sail during the evening and night - when the light is at its best - and find the most photogenic anchoring and landing spots. Martijn Smeets will be your photography guide on this trip. Martijn is specialized in arctic photography and will help you in getting the most out of your photography during this sailing. You can have a look at his photography at his website: Martijn Smeets Fotografie.
Each day from day 2 until 7, Martijn will provide short lectures and instructions on various photography topics, such as techniques, gear and the post-processing of images, assess landscape/location and make a shooting plan.
Inspire each other, we will take the time to review each others photos. And since this is a small sailing group, you can expect dedicated personal attention, as well as the opportunity to bring in your own topics! Each day you will have the chance to put all that freshly gained knowledge back into practice with another day (or evening) of shooting!
The Disko Bay is the largest fjord of Greenland with numerous islands and smaller fjords. The glaciers flowing from the Greenland ice cap break off in giant icebergs beyond your imagination.
Ilulissat, busy town, with an airstrip. Small and big fishing boats delivering their catch all day. Located on the banks of the Isfjord, the biggest Northern hemispere stream of huge icebergs. Skies of the endless midsummer night.
Sailing zigzag to isolated places like Rode Bay/Oqaatsut, Qeqertaq, some deserted and left to the elements. We scan for safe anchor spots under the colored skies of the midnight sun, landing and strolling the rough landscapes. Routing through the Ata Sund to the icecap as far as the ice let us. The glaciers of Torsukattak en Eqip will stop us. On return to Ilulissat anchoring at left whale station Agpat (Ritenbenk). We hope to spot some whales ourselves.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT
Adventure comes rarely without resistance: not for softies – chilly weather now and then – ice lookout - radar guard – fog – ice cold seaspray – all hands on deck.
Gain new experiences: sailing experience - responsibility, your contribution is not without commitment, ' ya can't wreck the ship ' - dedication and mindfullness - new friendships – discover unsuspected qualities to yourself.
Opportunities for M/V: full engagement for both genders, grab this opportunity.
Your captain: has been trained on 7000 m mountain peaks, in dry deserts, and more than 30,000 miles in wind and ice on Northern seas. Ready to sharing knowledge and a good cook. Only human, owner of a list of shortcomings, will never let go of your safety and well being. Speaks many languages.
Your Photography Knowledge Source: Martijn Smeets, specialized in arctic photography.
THINGS TO DO IN ILULISSAT
- old trade post
-in case you are short of things: shops and sportshop
-hike to lookout over the glacier
-museum
-traditional sculpture art workshops
-Active: excursion kayak-trekking hinterland – husky training – fishing boat tours – ferries to distant places.
ITINERARY
Day 1 14:00h Arrival on the boat, you will get a safety round on the boat and check in.
Day 2 We do last shopping and sail away to Bredebugt or further. You become friends with the boat and we find anchoring on a sheltered spot.
Day 3/5 We head for the Ata Sund and the Torssukattak where we meet the Greenland ice cap in the Eqi glacier. We sail until the ice danger will decide us to turn. Anchoring in full view of the ice wall.
Day 6/7 Circumnavigating the Arve Prinsen Island more settlements come in view, we will search for idyllic anchoring in places like Qeqertaq, Rode Bay and more. Beach and stroll. Zigzagging between the ice blocks we sail to our final anchor spot.
Day 8 After breakfast we pickup anchor and sail back to dock, we cleanup the boat before mooring and check out before 12:00. Thank you for taking part in an once of a lifetime adventure.
The program is indicative and may change according to weather, conditions and your photo shooting plans.
PARTICIPATION OPTIONS, DATES
July 25 / Aug 1 MW3-13 8 days/ 7 nights ILULISSAT / ILULISSAT
HOW DOES IT WORK
Participation in my small-scale Mae West expeditions on invitation only.
You don't need to be a sailor to fully enjoy.
Read more on MORE INFO page
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Meer info
HOW DOES IT WORK
Expedition style sailing in the Arctic on companionship-agreement.
Economical and still not on a shoestring, against a contribution level you may afford.
You will have a desire to take part in all sailing activities, handling sails, ropes and lines, expedition planning, provisioning, repairs, cleaning and scrubbing, cooking . .
I as the skipper will share knowledge and supply you with plenty of instructions and wish to see you go home enriched.
WANT AN INVITATION ?
Do you feel to take part in my expedition world,send me a mail.
Select an activity date or your own date preference as there might be more options for you behind the program, say in a few words why you wish to join and send.
You will receive your follow up/invitation soon.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Terms and conditions: download pdf
HOW ABOUT THE COLD
Greenland springtime comes with a lot of bright sunshine, it really feels like springtime. The freezing is over, mostly you wear a sweater or windbreaker instead of a shirt. Cloud cover and fog will make for chilly days. So yes, it will be cold now and then. Bad weather comes with dramatic landscapes so we dress well and go !
MUST I BE A SAILOR
Need to be a seasoned sailor? All you need is a desire to learning, a healthy and sportive physical condition and a vivid mind as well.
WHAT IS HEALTHY AND SPORTIVE PHYSICAL CONDITION
Sailing is a stop and go sport. You can move around in control over deck and through the tilting boat, stairs up, stairs down. Not shy to pull the lines, lift a heavy sail, lift an anchor. You Can pull a 30kg loaded line for a few minutes.
Are you not sure, go to the fitness and do a bit of light power training in advance.
WHAT WILL YOUR SAILING PHOTO WORKSHOP COST
8 days € 2160 / € 1840 pp
You share in the costs of long term ship preparations on navigation in the Arctic and maintenance to keep the Mae West fit.
You share in every days costs of fuel for the boat and the dinghy and food.
Part of a day will count as one day.
Max 4 participants. 3 places available.
€ 270 a day for first time joining with me on the Mae West.
€ 230 a day for all who have joined me on former expeditions for at least 15 days.
€ 70 B&B: max one additional night, lunch, dinner and bed and breakfast.
€ 50 booking costs
If you obtain your invitation through a third party you must count with their booking costs.
PAY and CANCELLATION SCHEME
Once accepted you pay a 50% downpayment.
Balance to be paid 60 days before boarding.
Cancellation more than 150 days: full refund minus costs € 50
Cancellation more than 90 days: retains 50% of full contribution
Cancellation later between 90 and 0 days: no refund.
INCLUDED
Accommodation on board,
Bed with comfy mattress, pillow and bedsheets
All food and all meals that we eat onboard
All boat-related expenses such as diesel, gas, harbor-fees etc
All use of equipment such as dinghy, fishing rods etc
Safety gear for all expedition members: life jackets, survival suits, approved 8pax life raft.
Instructions and coaching by an experienced photographer.
NOT INCLUDED
Travel expenses to and from the boat.
Insurances of any kind.
Visits to restaurants on shore, museums, galleries.
Alcoholic and softdrinks
Any photographic equipment
RISK LEVEL SAILING ON DISKO BAY GREENLAND
Risk level is light 2-3 out of 5
EC scheme package tours: the Mae West won’t fall under this regulation.
On arrival and you will sign check in and liability waiver.
Proof is required of insurance covering sailing on sea, search&rescue, as well comprehensive accident, medical, baggage and trip cancellation insurance.
WHAT TO BRING
We have no space to store suitcases and wheeled bags, cannot be accepted on boarding. Use a foldable expedition duffel max 80L. Ortlieb Rack-XL is my favorite.
Notes to a packing list will be send to you.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE BOAT
From Copenhagen Denmark (CPH) there are direct flights, some discount flights, to Kangerlussuaq Greenland (SFJ) main hub with connected inland flights to Aasiaat (JEG) or Illulisat (JAV).
Direct flights too from Reykjavik to Illulissat