Norway Sailing Adventure to the Fjords and Back
The price of this 16 day voyage is: 2026 dates and price TBC soon
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Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with this unforgettable sailing holiday, as we sail from Portsmouth to the stunning Norwegian Fjords and back this June. Set sail on a fully equipped 72ft yacht with an experienced skipper, and immerse yourself in the sailing and then the breath taking landscapes of Norway, from towering cliffs and serene waters to picturesque coastal villages.
- Explore an area of spectacular natural wonder
- Get plenty of sailing in - around 1500nm
- The yacht is an extremely 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 is a 16 day voyage on a 72ft steel yacht starting and finishing from Portsmouth. This is an opportunity to mix some offshore open water sailing as you sail along the south coast of the UK through one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, the Dover Straits, before heading up the North Sea to Norway where we will explore, in more sheltered waters the coast of Norway and the outstanding natural beauty of the Norwegian Fjords. After 5 or 6 days of cruising you will sail back to Portsmouth.
There will be a watch system on the sail there and back and you will want to 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. This voyage promises an unforgettable blend of exploration, relaxation, and adventure. Join us for an unforgettable sailing holiday to Norway and an experience that will stay with you long after you return to port.
Likely Itinerary
- Depart Portsmouth and sail to Norway on Thursday 5th June 2025
- Arrive on the West Coast of Norway around 9th June
- Spend 5-6 days exploring the West Coast/Southwest Coast of Norway.
- Depart Norway around 15th June
- Arrive Portsmouth Friday 20th June
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
5.0 based on 220 Happy Customers on Google Reviews
More Info on the Norway Sailing Adventure
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.
Wet weather gear included: Be prepared for any conditions with the use of our wet weather gear. Whether it’s rain or wind, stay comfortable and protected during your outdoor activities with quality gear provided at no additional cost.
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 as a minimum
- The maximum age for this trip is 65
Voyage Duration
- 16 days
- 5-20 June 2025
Experience Gained
- Around 1500nm
- Offshore open water sailing up and down 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 on the voyage there and back
- 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
Select the Date
Decide if the dates, 5-20 June, work for you. Add the trip to your basket and book.
Join the boat
Join the yacht in Portsmouth at 10am on 5th June. We will send you full joining details well in advance.
Sail off for a fantastic adventure
Enjoy a 16 day voyage with the variety of offshore sailing and coastal cruising with a scenically stunning back drop.
Norway Sailing Adventure -
Complete Breakdown
Possible itineraries once in Norway
Depending on the wind the aim will be to make Bergen or Stavanger or Kristiansand S. the first port of call. Bergen is a World Heritage City and nicknamed the city of 7 mountains. The area abounds with dramatic scenery and after a short stop the plan will be to explore the Fjords to the north or south. If the boat goes North maybe you will go up to Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord penetrating inland for 115 miles, between snow covered mountains that rise to 1,800m.
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 may 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.
Kristiansand S. on the Southern coast of Norway lies within a stretch of coast considered to be paradise by many Norwegians. There are lots of low lying islands and archipelagos and the water is usually warm enough for a dip! Lillesand is a day sail or so away and is described in the pilot book as ‘a narrow sheltered inner lead of almost unreal beauty’. Further round to the west is Egersund, a small fishing village with a statue of a nude nymph guarding the entrance to the harbour.
There are plenty of places to visit and whilst the skipper will take into account the wind and have the final say, you the crew will have a large input into where you go.
When the time comes to depart it will be for a sail back down the North Sea, through the Dover Straits, along the Kent, Sussex and Hampshire Coasts back to Portsmouth.
One thing is for sure, when you sail to Norway with us, you won't get bored.
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 area.
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. Please note that the maximum age for this trip is 65.
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
The price is £2875 and includes insurance, oilskins, berthing fees, fuel/gas and all food on board.
The boat will depart from and arrive back at Gunwharf Quay in Portsmouth. Parking is available, there are good train/bus links and Southampton airport is close by.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 572 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 337 Happy Customers On Google Reviews
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
Good 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
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Ready to go on a Norway Sailing Adventure
Have a great experience on this bucket list trip
- Cross the North Sea, then relax in the beauty of the Norwegian Fjords
- 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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