A 230-foot solar-powered sailing yacht called Captain Arctic is opening for private charter in December 2026, offering expedition voyages through some of the most remote Arctic environments on the planet.
Built and owned by Selar, Pelorus Yachting will handle all private charter bookings for Captain Arctic. It is being called the world’s first near-zero-emissions luxury expedition yacht. Five rigid sails hold around 20,000 square feet of solar panels. On days when solar and wind power are not enough, the yacht runs on vegetable oil instead of marine diesel.
The ship generates fresh water from the sea through reverse osmosis. Instead of using energy-intensive fuel boilers for heating, the ship has a pellet boiler that uses recycled wooden waste pellets. Other systems, such as an organic food digester, a treatment tank that transforms black, gray water into technical potable water, allow a zero waste policy at sea.
Noise, vibration and exhaust are all significantly reduced, which matters in Arctic waters where the surrounding environment is easily disturbed. Carbon output is up to 90% lower than other expedition yachts of a similar size.
The first charter is a Christmas voyage through Northern Norway, from December 18 to 26, 2026. Guests will sail through polar twilight, snow-covered fjords and the Northern Lights. Pelorus Yachting has crafted an itinerary that includes backcountry skiing in the Lyngen Alps, snowshoeing, kayaking in icy waters, whale watching, Arctic surfing in the Lofoten Islands and cultural encounters tied to Viking traditions, all led by polar experts and navigators with small groups.
Each charter can accommodate a maximum of 30 passengers in 16 cabins, with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. The yacht has a full spa on the upper deck, a sauna, a Norwegian cold bath, a fitness room with panoramic views, alfresco dining areas, observation decks and a full range of cold-water adventure equipment. An onboard science laboratory supports environmental research on every voyage. Five per cent of all profits go to charities focused on Arctic conservation.
Experiences during the Christmas charter can include hot chocolate in a driftwood hut, hikes along the ice edge above 80 degrees north, Zodiac excursions near glaciers and wildlife-focused trips in search of polar bears, whales and other Arctic species, all depending on season, conditions and location.
The Christmas charter is priced from €672,480 (roughly US $779,558), for the full vessel for up to 30 guests. The yacht is well suited to multigenerational groups, private celebrations and travelers who want expedition-level access to the Arctic.
More sailings are available across three regions. Northern Norway runs from November through February, with additional departures on January 24 to 31, February 6 to 12 and February 24 to March 2, 2027, all sailing from and to Tromsø. Svalbard is available from March through August, with sailings on March 18 to 26, April 28 to May 7 and May 25 to June 1, 2027, all departing from Longyearbyen.
Activities in Svalbard include snowshoeing, wildlife tracking, Nordic skiing, pulka pulling, polar plunges and guided searches for the Arctic Big Five. East Greenland has one sailing, September 27 to October 9, 2027, starting at Constable Point and moving through Scoresby Sund, a fjord system known for its enormous icebergs. That itinerary includes kayaking among icebergs, Zodiac excursions to glacial caves, polar plunges, shore landings, wildlife encounters and cultural exchanges with Eastern Inuit communities.
Geordie Mackay-Lewis, co-founder of Pelorus Yachting, said, “This is a truly unique platform for creating bespoke polar experiences and groundbreaking adventures. Captain Arctic is the epitome of sustainable luxury, and we are proud to serve as the central agent for private charter in the yachting sector. We share Selar’s passion for responsible adventure in these fragile environments and look forward to creating complex, purposeful itineraries for guests seeking a truly private experience.”
Charter bookings for all dates and regions are available through Pelorus Yachting, with itineraries shaped around each group’s interests, pace and level of adventure.
