QUEST
OCEAN EXPEDITIONS
From the tropical waters of the Caribbean to the icy reaches of the Arctic
1772 Vaugondy–Diderot Map of North America & the Northwest Passage
Sail The Legendary Northwest Passage
Join us on an extraordinary journey through one of the most remote and storied sea routes in the world. The Northwest Passage weaves its way through the high Arctic, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across a labyrinth of ice, fjords, and islands. Historic briefings bring the region’s history and Arctic exploration to life, while offering context on Indigenous histories, and a documentary captures the expedition.
To sail the Northwest Passage today is to embrace the pure spirit of discovery — following in the wake of explorers, and the Indigenous peoples whose knowledge of these waters has been essential for generations. The route is a living story of exploration, resilience, and the meeting of cultures and nature.
Nuuk - Nome, 3400 nm, July - August, 45 Days
Discover, Learn & Be Part of a Story in the Making
An expedition that combines Arctic adventure, historical discovery, and cinematic storytelling.
Learn from History and Experience Adventure
Join Hilda Christensson for storytelling and historical briefings that explore Arctic exploration, Indigenous histories, and the great narratives of the Northwest Passage.
Be Part of a Documentary
Filmmaker Alex Stone from Wild Films, an experienced documentary company specialising in extreme-environment storytelling, will capture the expedition on film — from Arctic landscapes to the stories and adventures onboard.
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Participate in interviews and discussions, helping shape the documentary.
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Footage showcases life onboard.
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Share in the excitement of seeing your expedition become part of a cinematic journey.
What Makes This Expedition Unique
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Sail, explore, learn, and contribute to a documentary.
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Small groups allow for intimate historic briefings, discussions, guided exploration, and independent research work.
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Witness history, culture, and adventure firsthand.
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 Passage, 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 45 days we will be navigating one 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 Passage 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.
Research & Project Work Onboard
Life onboard is structured to support both seamanship and focused project work. While everyone contributes to daily ship duties, the expedition is designed to allow ample time for research, observation, documentation, and independent work.
Watchkeeping and onboard tasks are organized in rotating schedules, ensuring predictable periods of uninterrupted time. This allows researchers, writers, and observers to plan their work effectively; whether that involves data collection, field observations, writing, or analysis.
Those joining the expedition are encouraged to discuss their project needs in advance, so onboard routines can support meaningful work alongside safe and efficient sailing.
S/Y Quest
Custom Built Expedition Yacht for Arctic Conditions
Quest is no ordinary sailing yacht. Designed and built by Captain Goeran, she was conceived from the keel up as a true expedition vessel, capable of thriving in the world’s harshest environments.
What truly sets Quest apart is her construction. Her welds are certified to Level 4 — the same standard required for icebreakers — ensuring maximum hull integrity in icy waters. She has been surveyed and approved by the Swedish Maritime Authority for safe operations in the most extreme regions on Earth, including the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
Quest is also built for comfort as much as safety. With four inches of insulation, central heating, and floor heating throughout, she offers warmth even in the most unforgiving polar conditions.
Who are we?
Captain Göran Persson
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At sea since age 16; graduate of the Merchant Marine Academy.
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Over 40 years as captain and chief officer on ships worldwide.
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11 years on expedition cruises in the Arctic, Antarctica & South Pacific.
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Commanded mega yachts, dive vessels & completed six Atlantic crossings on his own yachts.
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Certified Marine Guide & Antarctic Dive Master.
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Featured in BBC’s Horizon: Freak Waves for saving a ship in the Southern Ocean.
Hilda Christensson, First Mate & Historic Guide
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Grew up sailing in Sweden; began maritime school at age 15.
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Experience on tall ships, private yachts; Yachtmaster.
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Holds a Master’s degree from Lund University in education with a focus on history,
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Combines roles as First Mate & Historic Guide, and will bring the Arctic history to life on the Northwest Passage.
Alex Stone, Adventure Filmmaker
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Polar specialist, capturing stories in the world’s most extreme environments.
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Filmed expeditions in blizzards, across glaciers, and in Antarctica.
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Sailed to remote islands, documenting daring adventure voyages.
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Created the film adaptation of The Worst Journey In The World.
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Cinematographer at Wild Films, bringing expeditions to life on screen.
Our Intended Route of the Northwest Passage
General Route Overview:
Start – Nuuk, Greenland
Our journey begins in Nuuk, Greenland. Set against dramatic fjords and steep mountains, Nuuk has long been a meeting point between Arctic tradition and modern life. It is a natural place to prepare for a high-latitude voyage.
West Coast of Greenland – Ilulissat & the Icefjord. Sailing north along Greenland’s rugged west coast, we may make our way to Ilulissat, if the conditions allow, home to the world-famous Icefjord. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most active glacier fronts in the Northern Hemisphere, where vast icebergs calve into the sea and drift majestically into Disko Bay. We will spend time exploring this extraordinary landscape before setting course westward toward the Canadian Arctic
Lancaster Sound – Gateway to the High Arctic
Entering Lancaster Sound, we reach one of the most significant gateways of the Northwest Passage. This broad, ice-influenced sound has been used by explorers for centuries and marks the transition into the heart of the Arctic Archipelago.
Prince Regent Inlet & Central Arctic Channels
Continuing southward into Prince Regent Inlet, we enter a region that has played a central role in the history of Arctic exploration and is considered one of the most visually striking parts of the passage.
Franklin Strait
Franklin Strait, a narrow and historically significant stretch of water named after Sir John Franklin. Few places along the Northwest Passage carry such weight of human history. These waters are closely tied to Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 expedition, whose fate shaped Arctic exploration for generations to come.
Victoria Strait
Further west lies Victoria Strait, an area deeply tied to the history of the Northwest Passage. Known for challenging ice conditions, this stretch has tested explorers for generations. Transit here depends entirely on seasonal ice movement and timing, and flexibility is essential.
Amundsen Gulf – Toward the Western Arctic
As the route opens into the Amundsen Gulf, the waterways widen and the landscape shifts once again. Named after Roald Amundsen, the first to successfully navigate the entire Northwest Passage, this region marks a symbolic and geographic transition toward the western Arctic.
From here, the voyage continues westward toward the Pacific side of the Arctic, completing the passage across one of the world’s most legendary maritime routes.
Destination – Nome, Alaska
Our voyage concludes in Nome, Alaska, on the western edge of the continent where the Arctic meets the Pacific. Once a remote outpost shaped by Indigenous cultures, Nome became world-known during the Gold Rush, when thousands arrived chasing fortune across sea ice and tundra. Today, it remains a place defined by resilience, isolation, and a deep connection to its environment.
Indigenous Engagement & Community Respect
Along our route, we recognise that much of the Arctic is Indigenous homeland, and that Inuit communities are living, contemporary societies with deep cultural, historical, and environmental knowledge. We approach all community interactions with respect, humility, and an understanding that visits are a privilege, not an entitlement. Community visits are only undertaken where appropriate and locally welcomed, and we follow all local regulations, permitting requirements, and guidance from community representatives. Our expeditions aim to foster understanding of Inuit history, culture, and relationship with the land and sea, while ensuring that our presence does not disrupt daily life or place unnecessary pressure on small communities. Respectful conduct, consent, and environmental care guide all interactions ashore.
Historical Landmarks
As we sail westward, we encounter places tied to the legendary history of Arctic exploration. This includes the story of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated 1845 expedition, and the route where Roald Amundsen successfully completed the first full transit of the Northwest Passage (1903–1906), proving the passage navigable.
Please Note: Our route through the Northwest 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 Northwest Passage
The idea of a sea route through the Arctic took shape during the Age of Discovery. From the late fifteenth century onward, European powers sought a navigable channel linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Control of such a passage promised economic advantage and geopolitical influence, offering a faster route to Asian markets than voyages around Africa or South America.
Early expeditions, led by figures such as Martin Frobisher (1576) and John Davis (1585), braved these icy waters, mapping uncharted coastlines but finding their way blocked by sea ice. For centuries, expedition after expedition pressed deeper into the Arctic archipelago. Some returned with valuable charts; others disappeared entirely.
The most tragic of these voyages was Sir John Franklin’s expedition (1845). Commanding two advanced Royal Navy ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, Franklin and his 129 men set out with confidence — but they never returned. The ships became trapped in ice, and the crew perished. For decades, the mystery gripped the public imagination, turning the Northwest Passage into both a graveyard and a legend.
The first successful navigation came much later, when Roald Amundsen (1903–1906) sailed the modest Gjøa with a crew of just six. Unlike many of his predecessors, Amundsen understood that survival in the Arctic required humility and adaptation. He spent two winters living with the Netsilik Inuit, learning to use dog sleds, wear fur clothing, and travel across sea ice with their skill and knowledge. These lessons proved essential to his success and remain central to his legacy as a polar explorer.
Today, the Northwest Passage remains more than a route between oceans. It is a region where centuries of ambition, hardship, and exploration intersect with the long-standing knowledge of the Inuit, who have navigated these lands and waters for millennia. To sail here is to enter a living history shaped by both exploration and Indigenous presence.
Starting Point & Ending Point
Nuuk, Greenland - Nome, United States
Travel Documents & Preparations
We ensure compliance with Arctic regulations, Indigenous community protocols, and environmental protections required to sail the Northwest Passage, both before and during the voyage. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights to the departure point and from the arrival destination, as well as securing any required visas, personal travel documents, and appropriate personal insurance. We are happy to provide guidance on relevant documentation 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.
