QUEST
OCEAN EXPEDITIONS
From the tropical waters of the Caribbean to the icy reaches of the Arctic
1772 Vaugondy Map of Northeast Asia, Alaska, and the Northeast Passage
Sail The Legendary Northeast Passage
Our Route of the Northeast Passage
Nome - Tromsø, 3600 nm, 45 Days
General Route Overview:
Start – Nome, Alaska (USA)
Our expedition begins in Nome, a town on the edge of the Bering Strait. From here we cross the Bering Strait and pass Cape Dezhnew, the easternmost point of eurasian continent.
Chukchi Sea & Chukotka Peninsula
We skirt the wild coast of Chukotka, homeland of the Chukchi people, where traditions of reindeer herding and marine hunting endure.
East Siberian Sea & New Siberian Islands
Heading west, we sail across the East Siberian Sea, a remote expanse often choked with drifting pack ice.
Laptev Sea & Severnaya Zemlya
The Laptev Sea has long been one of the most challenging sections of the Northeast Passage. Here ice floes can linger deep into summer. We will pass Cape Chelyuskin, the northernmost point of mainland Russia. To the north lies Severnaya Zemlya, discovered only in the early 20th century, with dramatic glaciers and remote wildlife.
Kara Sea & Novaya Zemlya
Entering the Kara Sea, we approach Novaya Zemlya, the great island barrier that once frustrated centuries of expeditions. It was here that Nordenskiöld, with the ship Vega, finally broke through in 1878–79, becoming the first to complete the Northeast Passage.
Barents Sea
Sailing into the Barents Sea, we follow waters long used by Pomor traders and explorers. Rich in history and marine life, this final stretch takes us back towards Scandinavia.
Destination – Tromsø, Norway
We end our voyage in Tromsø, the "Gateway to the Arctic" — a fitting conclusion to a journey that retraces the routes of pioneering explorers, from Nordenskiöld’s Vega expedition to Skinnarmo’s sailing in 2009.
Please Note: Our route through the Northeast Passage is highly dependent on weather, ice conditions, and safety considerations. While we aim to visit the planned communities, historic sites, and natural highlights, the itinerary may be adjusted en route to ensure the safety of all aboard. Flexibility is essential in the Arctic, and every change offers a unique opportunity to explore new landscapes and experiences.
A Brief History Overview of the Northeast Passage
The dream of a northern sea route along the Siberian coast is nearly as old as the Age of Discovery. From the 1500s onward, Russian explorers and traders sought a navigable channel that would link Europe to the Pacific, opening access to Asian markets without the long voyage around Africa. Unlike the Northwest Passage, this route would hug the icy Siberian coast, challenging sailors with shifting pack ice, treacherous currents, and remote, uncharted lands.
Early Russian adventurers, including Dmitry Laptev and Vasily Pronchishchev in the 18th century, mapped portions of the Arctic coastline but were frequently blocked by sea ice and harsh winter conditions. Expeditions were slow and perilous, with crews often surviving only through careful planning, ingenuity, and knowledge of the local environment. The region’s isolation meant that for centuries, very few ships attempted the full passage, and many never returned.
The first complete navigation of the Northeast Passage came much later. In 1878–1879, Swedish explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld successfully sailed the Vega along the Siberian coast from the Kara Sea to the Bering Strait, marking the first confirmed full transit. Unlike earlier adventurers, Nordenskiöld combined meticulous planning with scientific observation, recording ice conditions, currents, and Arctic wildlife along the route. His achievement proved that, while extremely challenging, the Northeast Passage could be navigated — though not without serious risk.
Through the 20th century, the route remained largely the domain of icebreakers and state-sponsored vessels, used for trade, resource exploration, and scientific research. Few private sailboats ever attempted the journey, as the combination of ice, isolation, and unpredictable weather makes it one of the most difficult maritime routes in the world. Even today, only a handful of small sailing vessels have successfully completed the full passage, making each transit an extraordinary feat of seamanship, planning, and endurance.
Sailing the Northeast Passage is not merely a journey between oceans. It is a voyage through centuries of exploration, endurance, and adaptation, a place where the harsh Arctic environment continues to challenge human ambition. Each successful sailboat transit is rare, underscoring the courage and skill required to navigate one of the planet’s most remote and demanding maritime routes.
Life Onboard - You will be part of the Crew
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. Life on board will be built on teamwork, seamanship, and shared responsibilities.
What to Expect
On board Quest, everyone contributes to the smooth running of the vessel:
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Watchkeeping – Standing watch is at the heart of life at sea. You will join the rotation, taking turns on deck to steer the yacht, keep lookout, and monitor instruments. This is where you gain experience to read the sea, the ice, and the sky — skills that connect you to sailors across centuries.
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Sailing and Seamanship – From hoisting sails to trimming lines, you will help to handle the yacht in all conditions. Whether it’s in calm fjords or icy Arctic winds, your hands-on involvement is vital.
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Navigation – Be a part of how we plan our course, chart our position, and adapt to the ever-changing Arctic environment. You will gain an insider’s view into how real expedition sailing is done.
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Cooking and Cleaning – Meals are prepared together, and everyone helps keep the galley and ship tidy. Sharing these everyday tasks builds camaraderie and ensures that life on board runs smoothly.
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. You will find authentic seamanship and the satisfaction of being part of a small crew sailing through one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.
When you sail the Northwest and the Northeast passages, you step into the traditions of explorers who have gone before — not as a passenger watching from the sidelines, but as an active participant part of the crew. Conditions will be demanding, with long days, Arctic weather, and the unpredictability of ice and sea. But so are the rewards: teamwork, discovery, and memories forged in one of the most remote and legendary regions on Earth.
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 — from steering and navigation to cooking, cleaning, and watch-keeping. You’ll learn as you go, supported every step of the way, while becoming an active part of the team. All that’s needed is a spirit of curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to contribute.
A Note on Preparation
While no prior sailing experience is required, we do recommend that you try sailing at least once before joining Quest. Life at sea is very different from life on land: for 50 days we will be navigating two of the harshest routes in the world, on a vessel that is always in motion. Experiencing even a short sail beforehand will give you a sense of what to expect and help ensure you are ready — both physically and mentally.
Physical & Mental Fitness
Sailing the Northwest and Northeast Passages 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. Tasks such as climbing ladders, moving around a rocking vessel, standing watch at odd hours, and helping with sails or lines will all be part of daily life.
Equally important is mental resilience. We will be at sea for extended periods, often far from outside contact or comfort. Flexibility, teamwork, and a positive spirit are essential — these qualities are just as valuable on board as physical ability.
Starting Point & Ending Point
Nome, Alaska - Tromsø, Norway
Travel Documents & Preparations
We take care of all the necessary permits and paperwork required to sail the Northeast Passage, ensuring your journey complies with Arctic regulations. The only items passengers are responsible for are booking their flights to the departure point and from the arrival destination, as well as securing any required visas or personal travel documents, and their personal insurance. We will guide you on relevant documents if needed.
Crew Insurance Requirements
All crew must have: medical/health insurance (including evacuation), travel insurance (cancellation/interruption), and personal accident/life insurance. More details provided at the interview stage.
Additional details
Detailed information, including practical arrangements and logistics, will be provided once you reach the interview stage of our application process.
All selected participants will be required to complete essential documentation (such as medical and fitness declarations, liability waivers, and expedition agreements). Full details and support will be provided during the interview stage.