Sailing La Vagabonde · video

What this video covers

A family of four joins the crew of the *Norderlicht*, a 40-meter steel-hulled, two-masted schooner, for a sub-zero expedition through the Svalbard archipelago.0:24 The voyage involves navigating fjords and open waters while managing the specific challenges of high-latitude sailing, including constant daylight, freezing temperatures, and the necessity of polar bear safety protocols during shore excursions. The crew conducts emergency drills, emphasizing the use of survival suits and the risks of entering ice-cold water.2:17 During a transit, the vessel encounters heavy side-on swells, causing a severe roll that throws passengers across the saloon.16:16 The crew utilizes the *Norderlicht*’s traditional rigging, including rollers for sail handling, to manage the canvas in varying wind conditions.3:10 Shore visits require scouting for wildlife, such as arctic foxes and reindeer, and using a tender to reach land.10:47 The experience highlights the differences between mid-latitude cruising and Arctic conditions, where weather and ice can force sudden itinerary changes.12:16

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