Ahoy Sailor,
It’s been a while since our last update in May, and what a journey it has been! Spring and summer have come and gone, bringing experiences and milestones along the way. From joining our first research mission to sailing through the breathtaking Lofoten Islands, we’ve been on quite the adventure. Our new Sail & Trail concept was a great success, and we just wrapped up our youth projects. Now, as the Arctic summer fades, it’s time to head back south on September 2: https://moondance-expeditions.com/voyages/ocean-crossing-voyage/.
One of the highlights of the summer season was the research mission aboard Moondance. Partnering with Jon and Catharina from Gate To The Arctic, we set off for the remote Arctic. Although strong eastern winds prevented us from reaching Bear Island, we quickly adapted, shifting our focus to Soroya. On Soroya, we turned our attention to marine conservation, mapping marine debris, cleaning beaches, and assessing macroplastic pollution. It was a rewarding experience, and we’re excited to share that a documentary capturing these efforts is on the way. Until then, dive into stories from our team members! Click on the pictures below to read some stories.
Sailing and Trail Running Lofoten
This summer, we launched our Sail & Trail running holidays in the breathtaking Lofoten Islands—and what a success it was! Sailing through the stunning Norwegian fjords, we anchored at remote spots for trail runs that took us across rugged coastlines and serene mountain paths. Each day was a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, combining the freedom of the open sea with the joy of running in nature.
Many thanks to Mud Sweat Trails and Pure Trails for making this journey unforgettable! Charlie at Pure Trails even brought along Duncan who works at the Financial Times. Read the full story here: https://www.ft.com/content/b7038d5e-eb9a-497a-b64f-d6fc48243cc5
Climbing in Steigen and Clean Up Projects in Lofoten
After crewing aboard Moondance, Luuk enjoyed some well-deserved family time in the stunning fjords of Steigen. It was the first time his whole family visited, and they made the most of it—sailing, hiking, fishing, and even climbing the iconic Hamarøyskaftet. It was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Meanwhile, Olivier, Hugo and Joyce led our Youth Impact Projects, tackling beach cleanups at the southwest tip of Lofoten. With the help of a scouting group from Nijmegen, they collected nearly 2,000 kg of trash from remote beaches like Horseidvika and Bunes Beach. A huge thanks to the crew and participants for making it all possible!
Up Next: Offshore Sailing to Amsterdam, Maintenance Plans, and Preparing for 2025
We have a few seats for our crossing back to Amsterdam. Check out the page to read more: https://moondance-expeditions.com/voyages/ocean-crossing-voyage/
