The s/v Noorderlicht is one of the very best vessels for ski and sail trips, striking a perfect balance between spaciousness, intimacy, and a very classy design. Here’s a collection of views of the ship to give you a better idea of what to expect when you step on board this spring. See for yourself why we are so excited to be offering another Noordlicht Ski & Sail trip this year!
Want to see the ship’s plans?
Knowing the ship’s design specifications and layout is really helpful too. That information is available for download here: Ship Details, Ship Plans
Very limited space – book now!
We have only a few spaces left. Don’t miss out, book now before they are gone!
SHIP’S DETAILS
Name: Noorderlicht
Nationality: Dutch
Year built: 1910
Homeport: Harlingen, the Netherlands
Rigging: two masted schooner
Length over all: 46,20 m
Breadth: 6,50 m
Draft: 3,20 m
Sail area: 550 m2
Ice class: strengthened bow
Sailing area: Spitsbergen & Norway
Max. passengers: 20
Crew: 5
Current position: follow here
LIFE ON BOARD
Since 1994 the ‘Noorderlicht’ sails around the waters of Svalbard and Norway with her red hull. During this time the ship has become an understanding in the Arctic area and loved amongst many. Because of its small size and draft the ship offers a great way to discover the remote area’s of Spitsbergen and Norway. Moreover the ‘Noorderlicht’ has the possibility to set sail, which is the most ideal and environmentally friendly way to enjoy the beautiful unspoiled nature. If desired, you can also pick something up from sailing and you are very welcome to help hoisting the sails and steering the ship.
ACCOMMODATION
The sleeping area is situated at the lower deck in 10 twin cabins. All cabins have upper and lower berths, a built-in closet, a washbasin with cold and warm water and a mirror. In your cabin you will also find 220V power outlet to charge your electronics. Furthermore the ship has 5 toilets and 4 showers which are for common use.
FOOD
If we have learned something from our years of experience on sailing ships, it is the importance of good and nutritious food on a ship! Although the Arctic area gives rise to limitations on the possibilities and supplies of the food on board, our professional cook will prepare you excellent meals from the international kitchen 3 times a day.
If you have any dietary wishes, please pass this on to your bookings agency as soon as possible. Our cook will then always try to take your diet into account as much as he/she can.
THE CREW
History of the “Noorderlicht”
1910 – 1963: light vessel in the Flensburger Fjörde
The Noorderlicht started its history 110 years ago as a light vessel, stationed since the 13th of July 1910 on the sandbank Kalkgrund in the ‘Flensburger Fjörde’. She was launched a few months before and was given the same name as the shallow where it would be placed: Kalkgrund.
In these early days she was rigged as a three-masted schooner and functioned as a beacon for ships, to indicate the danger of the shallow, and as a pilot station. The front and the rear masts were equipped with lights. The ship was manned with 15 crewmembers who maintained the ship and who performed pilot services.
During her life as a lightvessel, the ship underwent several external changes: in 1925 her name was changed to ‘Flensburg’ and during the Second world war the middle mast was removed and replaced by a deckhouse. A major renovation followed in 1953/1954: the ship was extended from 30 meters to 36 meters.
Ironically, icing was the biggest problem during its existence as a lightvessel. In the coldest periods 2 crewmembers had to beat the ice every day. The bowsprit was shortened twice to prevent it from icing. In 1941 the ship was even dragged with anchor and chain by the ice towards Neukirchen.
After almost 53 years assisting ships in navigation, she retired on the 12th of June 1963 for her function as lightvessel and was replaced by the lighthouse Kalkgrund.
1963 – 1992: accommodation for guest workers, club house – wreck
From 1963 the ship was used as mobile accommodation for Greek migrant workers until it was sold in 1967 to the sailing association “Möltenorter Seglerkameradschaft” in Heikendorf. The ship was towed to Möltenort in the Kiel Fjord and served as a club house there. Due to internal disagreements, the ship was reportedly poorly maintained during this period. In May 1986 the ship was sold to the Netherlands and shipped to a port in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.
1992 – present: sailing ship Noorderlicht
In 1992 Gert Ritzema & Ted van Broeckhuijzen found the rusty and neglected hull of the ship and restored her to the beautiful 2-masted schooner she is today. With accommodation for 20 passengers and 5 crew and a map certification she was ready to go back to sea. After the new name of the ship, Noorderlicht (English: Northern Lights) the ship was introduced as an expedition cruise ship.
In 1994 the ship sailed for the first time towards the waters of Spitsbergen and was one of the first ships to offer expeditions in this archipelago for passengers. In winter, the ship sailed to the Azores and Canary Islands until 2003.
From 2004, the ship gained fame for being prolific as the world’s only ice-bound hotel. “The Ship in the Ice,” as she was called, was frozen in the Tempelfjord in Svalbard and reached only by snowmobile from husky sleds.
However, due to the lack of sea ice in the fjord to ensure safe passage to the ship by snowmobile or dog sled, the last winter for “the ship in the ice” was in 2015.
In 2017 the ship was sold to Floris de Waard and Mariëlle van Twillert. They continue to offer expeditions to Spitsbergen from April to October. In winter, the Northern Lights now offers ‘Whale and Northern Lights’ safaris in Northern Norway.
Following the winter adventures of 2020 they brought the ship back to the Netherlands for the duration of the pandemic.