Sailing off the beaten track
Ready for new adventures?
After another Transatlantic circuit which took us to Colombia and Canada, Apsara is now back in Ireland.
We’ll head south again before the end of the summer: I’m planning the to sail the Med this Autumn, then to head North to the Arctic in the spring and summer of 2027 (another chance to sail in the ice).
Upcoming crusing schedule
Autumn 2026 and winter 2026/2027
Exploring ancient Mediterranean trading routes
After leaving the West coast of Ireland in late August, Apsara will be heading South toward South Brittany, then Galicia, in Spain, and then on to the Mediterranean.
We are planning to spend the Autumn exploring ancient trading routes in Southern Spain, Sicily, Greece, Turkey, and North Africa before heading back to Brittany in the early spring.
Suitable for all levels of sailing. Join for a minimum of two weeks between October 2026 and February 2027
Our 2027 adventure sailing schedule takes us to more wild and remote places : the islands of Scotland , and the fjords of Norway, Northwest Iceland and East Greenland.
April 2027,
Into the wild West, Brittany to the West coast of Ireland, 600nm
This two weeks cruise starts in Lorient, South Britanny in April and after a few days getting to know the boat and one another, we sail up to the West coast of Ireland, an unspoilt cruising ground where wildlife abound and where we will spend most nights in beautiful, remote and perfectly sheltered anchorages, rather than in marinas. For those used to the tamest forms of cruising, this is like stepping back in time. These are Christophe’s home waters, so you can be sure that under his guidance you will visit all the best spots!
This cruise would be an ideal warm up for those wishing to do the Yachtmaster training in May, or indeed for anyone wanting to build miles in tidal waters. No prior sailing experience is required, but an adventurous spirit and a good physical condition will certainly help as this is serious offshore / adventure sailing and you will be expected to be an active part of the crew.
May 2027,
Ireland ; Yachtmaster offshore training and exam
June 2027,
Sailing to the Midnight Sun, Ireland to Norway via Scotland, 1500 nm
A four weeks adventure cruise from the West coast of Ireland to Trodheim in Norway via the Scottish Hebrides and the Shetland Islands.
This cruise is suitable only for experienced crew who have already sailed for a minimum of two weeks as an active crew member.
July 2027
Sailing across the Arctic: Trodheim, Norway to Iceland, 1000 nmm
A three weeks adventure cruise from Trodheim in Norway to Iceland. The exact itinerary will depend on weather and ice conditions, as well as on crew experience, but may include the little visited Jan Mayen island, in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, and / or the East coast of Greenland; as well as the fjords of Northwest Iceland.
This is a demanding cruising area, and therefore this cruise is suitable only for experienced crew in good physical condition, and who have already sailed for a minimum of two weeks, including at least one overnight passage of more than 120 miles as an active crew member.
July / August 2027
Sailing in the ice, Iceland to Ireland via East Greenland, 1500 nm
A four weeks adventure cruise from Iceland to the West coast of Ireland. Again, the exact itinerary will depend on weather and ice conditions as well as on crew experience, but will hopefully include the East coast of Greenland and / or the fjords of Northwest Iceland.
This is a demanding cruising area, and therefore this cruise is suitable only for experienced crew in good physical condition, and who have already sailed for a minimum of two weeks, including at least one overnight passage of more than 120 miles as an active crew member.
Important information for anyone thinking of crewing on board Apsara
- Food on board is vegetarian and as much as possible organic or local, in line with my aspiration to do as little damage as possible to the planet. It’s best if people who sail with me share these aspirations.
- I’m happy to accommodate vegans as long as they can tolerate my cheese eating habits.
- I do not smoke and very rarely drink, so smokers or anyone who likes their booze should find another boat.
- I ask for a daily contribution, which is left to your appreciation. Remember when making an offer that you will be sailing with a professional skipper with many years of experience, and on a boat that has been thoroughly prepared for the journey.
- I usually sail solo or two handed, and while I occasionally take two crew on short offshore passages (up to a week), it only works if they share a bunk.
- I’m a former yachtmaster instructor, and I am always happy to share my knowledge of boats and the sea, so if you’re wanting to learn sailing, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Testimonials from former crew members (contact details available on request)
Thinking of crewing on any of these trips?
Read more about how to be a perfect crew…
Financial contribution
If you are interested in us for any of these cruises, please fill in the online application on this page. As part of this application process, you will be asked how much you plan to contribute financially. This daily financial contribution covers all on board expenses (food, diesel, satellite communication, etc.), but not harbour fees, which are shared equally between the crew.
If your application is deemed suitable, I will contact you to arrange a video call.
After this interview, I will let you know, no later than a month before the start date, if your application has been accepted, and if so, you will be asked to pay half of your planned contribution. Your financial commitment guarantees your place on board, and this deposit is refundable only if the boat cannot be at the planned departure port within three days of the planned departure date and no suitable alternative arrangements can be found for you to join the boat where she is ; or if the cruise needs to be cancelled for whatever reason. In both case, I will inform you as soon as possible of the change of plan and refund your deposit immediately.
Note that, because of the weather dependent nature of adventure sailing, especially in high latitudes, I cannot guarantee the place and date of departure and arrival, only that I will do my best to get there on time. By paying a deposit and committing to be part of the crew, you implicitly accept this risk and forego any claim for refund of unforeseen expenses incurred because of a change in the schedule.
I may also put you on a waiting list and let you know, no later than two weeks before departure, if a space becomes available.