Meet Helena, the water and snow fanatic who ditched her architect gig to become a fulltime skipper! She’s based in Sweden and has sailed all around – from the chilly Nordic waters to the sunny Mediterranean, the Caribbean and across the Atlantic a few times. But her heart truly belongs to the northern latitudes. When she’s not on deck, she loves cooking and indulging in delicious dishes. SailNorway is the perfect match for her, combining her love for sailing and good food.

Meet Johan J. Petersen, the wind enthusiast with a knack for sailing wherever the breeze carries him! As a dedicated teacher, he imparts the skills and pure joy of sailing to both adults and youngsters. Johan’s adventurous spirit has taken him around the world, from tropical paradises to the icy realms of the Arctic and Antarctic. But he doesn’t stop at water; he tackles snow with ski sails and kites, and surfs the fjords with windsurfing and foil boards. Johan’s heart belongs to traditional sailboats and gaff rigs, and he captains a Colin Archer vessel with his family, turning every voyage into a happy adventure. Besides sailing, Johan has published two books about knots and about maritime life. If you’re seeking a mentor who makes every sailing journey with excitement and happiness, Johan J. Petersen is your go-to skipper!

Meet Audun, a passionate sailor and Svalbard enthusiast! By day, he’s a lawyer on the mainland, but his heart truly belongs to SeilNorge, where he shines as a skipper and expedition guide. Audun loves to sail and guide polar adventures north of Svalbard and as a seasoned Svalbard winter guide with over 20 years of Arctic wilderness experience, he’s a true Arctic expert. At home, Audun has had his own sailboat for over 30 years, juggling both regatta races and leisurely trips whenever he can. He’s not just a skilled sailor; he’s a jovial and sociable companion, always eager to share his wisdom and experiences with fellow sailors.

Meet John, the skipper at SeilNorge, born on a grand island in the North Atlantic – Great Britain (in his own words!). John used to sail the Mediterranean, but he and his girlfriend made a move to Tromsø, settling aboard their sailboat. When he’s not cruising the open sea, you’ll likely spot him exploring the depths of the ocean, diving into its mysteries with a zest for underwater adventures! Whether on deck or beneath the waves, John’s passion for the sea knows no bounds.

Inga started her sailing career with a spontaneous purchase of a boat in 2019 and a decision to become a liveaboard. Without any prior knowledge of sailing, it was a challenging start, but it was still filled with joy and a great sense of achievement. Now, the best thing Inga knows is to turn off the engine and explore new places under sail, preferably with good friends. And the best part of being a skipper at Seilnorge is meeting new friends, going on adventures together and sharing the joy of sailing with everyone who comes aboard.

Sailing fills Marion with deep happiness, always bringing a smile to her face as she feels the wind push the boat. She fell for Norway when she came as a guest in 2023. “I absolutely love sailing with SeilNorge; it’s like living five days in one! I get to have so many incredible experiences and meet wonderful people,” she shares warmly. Marion is committed to making sustainable choices, like taking the train (all the way from Zurich to northern Norway!) and eating plant-based meals.

Johannes is a captain, guide, and sailing instructor who feels at home wherever wind, snow, or waves are part of the plan. He’s a patient instructor, known for making people feel safe and confident. He’s also well known for his laugh — you can hear it from far away, and it’s guaranteed to make you smile.

Storyteller with a love for gales and sea spray. Øyvind is one of the founders of SeilNorge and is happiest when he can unleash himself in gales and sea spray. No one knows every nook, cranny and piece of rope on board SeilNorge’s fastest boat, “Palander,” better than him. Øyvind always has a good story about the mountain range The Seven Sister- and values a good atmosphere on board above all else. In his daily life, he’s occupied with his other passion, introducing children and young people from the inner east of Oslo to the many joys of the great outdoors.

Local hero and modern viking who navigates by the stars. Jim-Børre lives in the middle of SeilNorge’s sailing mekka in Northern Norway. Growing up on Værøy, a boat was a necessity to see the world, and he found peace on board a sailboat. Jim-Børre finds the best fishing spots and he guarantees a good catch. He can also explain in detail about “haill” and tell the legends about the Nordlands mountains. On ski and sail, Jim-Børre takes his split board with him, and he loves big turns on big flanks on big mountains!

Meet Captain Bjørn from Helgeland, that is one of our main sailing destinations. Bjørn has a degree in marine engineering and has years of experience as an active regatta sailor. He knows the sea like the back of his hand! His passion for sailing and the great outdoors is matched only by his love for good food and wine. On board, his goal is to guide you in mastering navigation and boat handling, and gradually step back so you can take the helm and enjoy the thrill of sailing on your own.

Audun is always ready to embark and explore new coastal adventures! By day, he commands a school ship, where he with contagious commitment gives young sea lovers’ passion for the ocean. Beyond sailing, Audun finds joy in exploring new places from the saddle of his bike. His safe and educational approach turns the SeilNorge trip into an enriching experience for all on board. With Audun at the helm, you will easily get in for educational sailing adventures!

Since childhood, Jan has been sailing around the archipelago off Kristiansand, in southern Norway. He inherited his sailing skills from his grandfather and father. In 2002, he bid farewell to his job in Switzerland and dedicated his career to maritime adventures. He stumbled upon “seaweed farming” and was captivated by the opportunity to work with the ocean while being part of the solution, not the problem. Jan’s journey is a testament to following your heart and making a positive impact on our precious seas.