Norway Sailing Adventure 2027 | Portsmouth to Bergen
1-14 May | £3497
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Experience the best of offshore sailing and Norwegian fjord cruising on this unforgettable 14-day adventure aboard a Challenger 72 yacht. Departing Portsmouth, you'll sail across the North Sea before spending 9–10 days exploring Norway's spectacular fjords, dramatic mountains, secluded anchorages and picturesque coastal villages, finishing your adventure in Bergen.
- Explore an area of spectacular natural wonder
- Perfect mix of offshore sailing and relaxed cruising
- Highly sea worthy 72ft Challenger
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This trip was a perfect detox from routine life.
Sailing on the Challenger yachts is an experience that is hard to find elsewhere, and the Skipper, Mate and Watch Leaders were immensely experienced - experienced and novice passengers were involved in all aspects of running of the boat - a fantastic learning environment.
I met so many lovely and fascinating people on this trip - and the gentle pace of the trip allows you to get to know both your fellow passengers and the country to a much deeper level than a normal holiday.
As well as the sailing, which was nicely varied, we had ample opportunity for other activities; hiking up Pulpit Rock and on the hills above Bergen, plenty of time to look around Stavanger, Haugesund, Bergen and Vik, some swimming around the boat (very refreshing!), and some productive fishing.
The administrative aspects of the trip were all very professionally handled by First Class, with clear information prior to the trip with kit lists, details of space available, and a clear explanation of the expectations on board.
I enjoyed the trip so much that as soon as I returned I signed up for the Round the Island Race on another Challenger yacht with First Class and had an equally fun, although very different, trip.
Nick S
Verified Customer
This Norway sailing adventure begins with a 4–5 day offshore passage from Portsmouth along the English Channel and up the North Sea to the west coast of Norway. Sailing aboard our Challenger 72, you'll experience the excitement and satisfaction of a proper offshore voyage before enjoying a more relaxed pace as we explore the spectacular Norwegian coastline.
During the offshore passage, there will be a watch system and you will get fully involved in the sailing and operation of the boat, however there will be plenty of opportunity to sit back and watch the world go by.
Once we reach Norway, probably in the Stavanger area, we'll have 9–10 days to explore the magnificent fjords and coastal waters as we make our way towards Bergen. With time on our side, we can discover sheltered anchorages, visit picturesque harbours, explore ashore and enjoy the dramatic scenery of towering mountains, waterfalls and beautiful fjords.
It's a wonderful combination of adventurous offshore sailing, hands-on experience and relaxed cruising in one of Europe's most spectacular sailing destinations.
Likely Itinerary
1 May 2027: Depart Portsmouth bound for Norway.
Around 5–6 May: Arrive on the west coast of Norway, probably in the Stavanger area.
5–13 May: Spend approximately 9–10 days exploring the fjords and coastline as we make our way north towards Bergen.
14 May: Finish the adventure and disembark in Bergen.
Join us for an unforgettable sailing holiday to Norway and an experience that will stay with you long after you return to port.
For details of the return trip which is for those interested more in just the offshore sailing aspect there is a 7 day delivery trip back to Portsmouth on 15-22 May.
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Sail to the Norwegian Fjords
Watch this video to get a taster of some of the scenery you will experience when you book a Norway sailing holiday with First Class Sailing.
More Info on this Norway Sailing Adventure
Great mix of cruising and offshore sailing: This trip offers some excellent offshore sailing in a very sound yacht along with a number of day hops set to a back drop of stunning scenery.
Extremely seaworthy yacht: 72ft Challenger Yacht that has sailed around the world twice, done numerous Atlantic crossing and been to Norway several times before.
All meals included on-board: All food on board is included however there will be a few opportunities in Norway to eat out and sample the local cuisine if you wish.
Experienced and Friendly Skipper and Mate: With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for imparting their knowledge the Skipper and Mate are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment for crew of all skill levels.
Key Trip Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the Norway Sailing Adventure:
Required Experience
- You need to have done Competent Crew or equivalent as a minimum
- Chat to one of the team to find out more
Voyage Duration
- 14 days
- 1 - 14 May 2027
- (15-22 May 2027 Option to extend and sail back to Portsmouth)
Experience Gained
- Around 1000-1200nm
- Offshore open water sailing in the North Sea
- Pass oil/gas rigs and wind farms
- Pass through the busy Dover Straits
- Plenty of night sailing - but as you go further North it doesn't stay dark for long
- You will be part of a watch system when on passage
- Breath taking scenery
Why This Holiday?
- Sailing holidays to Norway don’t come better than this. It’s an incredible trip packed full of adventure and stunning sights whilst you go exploring and sailing in the Norway Fjords.
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make going on this Norway Sailing Adventure easy
Enquiry & Booking
Speak to the First Class team who will be happy to answer any questions you may have to facilitate your booking.
Join the boat
Join the yacht in Portsmouth. We will send you full joining details well in advance.
Sail off for a fantastic adventure
Enjoy a wonderful voyage with the variety of offshore sailing and coastal cruising with a scenically stunning back drop.
Norway Sailing Adventure
Possible itineraries once in Norway
The intention will be to explore the stretch between Bergen and Stavanger. Having sailed up the North Sea the intended first port of call will be Stavanger. Stavanger is the third largest city in Norway and is known as The Oil Capital. The plan will be to quickly leave the bustle of the City and explore Lysefjord, a 26 mile long fjord that is over 1000m deep (that was some glacier!). You will see the breath taking Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) a 25m square mountain plateau 604m above sea level with 3 vertical side and there may well be the opportunity to hike up to it.
After that the boat will sail north in the direction of Bergen through fjords with names like Stokksund, Korsfjord, and Bjorna. You may spend a night off the idyllic island Tysnes, you may visit Halsnoy, home to the Halsnoy Abbey – once one of the richest in Norway, and site of one of the oldest boats recovered in Norway and the Radiohola (radio cave) where the resistance hid during the Second World War.
Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage City and nicknamed the city of 7 mountains. The area abounds with dramatic scenery. It is a cultural and fascinating city to explore. The nearby airport makes if a perfect place to jump or join ship.
Following the 14 day trip the yacht will resupply in Bergen before returning to Portsmouth. There is an option to stay for the 7 day delivery trip back to Portsmouth. More details of this can be found here.
The Yacht
The Yacht is a Challenger 72, tried and tested and built for sailing around the world - a feat it has achieved twice. It has a steel hull and is capable of sailing though wild conditions if needed. We have used it to take part in the annual ARC (a race across the Atlantic from the Canaries to the Caribbean) and the Fastnet Race every other year.
She is very well equipped and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) coded to Category 0. This means she is structurally very sound indeed and carries a large array of safety equipment . It means she is approved to go anywhere in the world and sail any distance from land. It makes her an ideal vessel to undertake such voyage.
Being 72ft long and weighing 48 tonnes she is very hands on and most things require at least two people so team work is important. Below deck she is very comfortable with two heads/showers, a spacious saloon and a well-stocked galley. There are nice snug bunks in the sleeping areas.
What to expect/pre-requisites
Offshore experience is not necessary but you will need to have done some sailing prior to coming on the trip. You will need to be healthy and reasonably fit. You will be expected to help with all the cooking and cleaning throughout the trip and take part in all aspects of sailing the boat.
There should be some exciting sailing, lots of exploring and as winds can sometimes be light in the fjords plenty of time to relax with a book on deck as the dramatic scenery unfolds.
Sailing to Norway with First Class Sailing will leave you with incredible memories of stunning places, some great offshore experience and some really good friends.
The Price and Travel
The price is £3497 and includes insurance, oilskins, berthing fees, fuel/gas and all food on board.
Travel to and from the yacht is not included.
In Portsmouth the yacht will be moored at Gunwharf Quays. There are good train/bus links. The train station is a short walk from where the yacht will be moored. If being picked up/dropped off by car there is plenty of parking in Gunwharf Quays. The nearest airports are Southampton, Gatwick and Heathrow.
Bergen airport is a short 45 minute light railway ride away from Bergen Town Centre. The position of where the yacht will be moored will be confirmed in due course.
If you are interested in returning to Portsmouth and extending your passage making experience then this 7 day voyage can be added for £1497.
This blog has a bit more information on these 2 trips to Norway and if you are interested in other offshore adventures we offer have a look here.
And here is a past blog from a skipper on a Norway way trip in 2023.
This one was written by 3 crew members on the Norway Adventure trip in 2022
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 601 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 356 Happy Customers On Google ReviewsGood food, pretty moorings and great company.
My husband and I recently returned from two weeks sailing from Portsmouth to Norway, with several days cruising around Norway and the fjords - a trip organised by First Class Sailing. Overall - it was just amazing. We both had an incredible time and loved the experience.
A great boat (Challenger 3) made light work of any rough North Sea weather; the skipper and crew/watch leaders were very knowledgeable and had everything under control, whilst also being fun and letting us get involved - you couldn't have asked for better; the boat was very well equipped (with copious good food and biscuits!); and there was nothing we could have faulted about the whole trip.
Norway was amazing itself and it was great to have a few days to explore and plot our journey between the islands - we were spoilt with some good food, pretty moorings and great company.
Overall, effortlessly well organised, very enjoyable and we met some fantastic people and were very sad to go home! Unanimous thumbs up and definitely a must-do if you ever get the chance. We are looking at the next trips we can do!
Fab2910
Verified Customer
Well organised
Sailed to Norway to Stavanger, Bergen and the Sognefjord. Fantastic sailing experience. Clocked up over 1000 miles. Walked up Preikestolen, a 604 high cliff and waved and radioed down to the crew, saw the amazing medieval wooden Hopperstad Stave church, sailed down Sognefjord, the second longest fjord in the world and saw a glacier. Paul and Gary, skipper and first mate, were great teachers and leaders. Moored in Fedje island harbour - magical and anchored in small remote inlets.
Norway is rated the happiest place in the world and the fjords are just stunning. Bumped into a sailor with a small boat he had made and travelled around the world, but now on the way back to Bergen his home town. Great sailing, teaching and company in one of the most beautiful, but relatively unknown places in the world.
The organisation of the trip was thorough with concise lists of what you needed to bring and the land based team were in constant contact with the skipper to ensure everything went well.
Anthony E
Verified Customer
Breath taking scenery
Just spent a week sailing in the Norwegian fjords on Challenger 1. It was a great trip, The scenery was breathtaking.
We sailed north from Bergen then along the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest of Norway's fjords, stopping off in either very tiny harbours or anchoring in deserted inlets. On the way back to Bergen we spent a night in Fedje, a small island mostly given over to a nature reserve.
The food was excellent, some great meals came out of the galley.
Skipper, mate and watchleaders were excellent. They all had a lovely sense of humour and were all very helpful. Paul gave us several options each day on possible routes. Overall, it was a great holiday - highly recommended.
Chris T
Verified Customer
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Ready to go on a Norway Sailing Adventure
Have a great experience on this bucket list trip
- Combine offshore sailing with stunning coastal cruising
- Make new sailing friends!
- Sail on a Challenger 72
Incredibly beautiful
I had the pleasure of sailing with First Class Sailing from Portsmouth to Stavanger and then around the Norwegian Fjords. The boat, the organisation, and the crew exceeded my expectations. It was a fun trip with a great group of people. The journey across the North Sea was rewarding and once in Norway it was incredibly beautiful. I'd recommend this trip and First Class Sailing in a heartbeat.
Simon A
Verified Customer
Ready to go on a Norway Sailing Adventure
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