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.

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.

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.

Carl’s first sailing trip went from Gothenburg via Skagen to Stavern. During this journey, he experienced a marvelous black night with a star-filled sky stretching from horizon to horizon. He had always believed the mountains were magical, but the sea gave him an almost religious feeling. Since then, he has owned five sailboats and taken them on trips across the Skagerrak, to Svalbard, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. He loves the freedom and authenticity of sailing, where each action has direct consequences and there’s no undo button. Sailing is also an exercise in planning for the unexpected, and the joy of mastering challenges. He finds the best moment is when the boat picks up speed and all you hear is the water rippling along the hull. — Sailing with SailNorway feels like sailing with family. It makes me smarter, more humble, and fills my soul with joy. Living closely, working tightly, and sharing incredible moments—it’s no wonder you make friends for life. Plus, I get to tell the same tall tales over and over, embellishing a bit more each time. It’s simply fabulous, Carl says.

Enjoys it most outdoors, at sea and in the mountains. Aron is one of the co-founders of SeilNorge, having been with us since the beginning in 2008. He is passionately dedicated to nature and sustainability, even though he finds himself jetting between peace processes and climate negotiations on the continents. He is just as passionate about an oil-free Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja as he is about the resistance struggles of the oppressed worldwide.

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!

Stig Arild is SailNorge’s ship author, podcaster and swimming enthusiast, and already as a 15-year-old he represented Norway in the sailing WC. He is a trained sailing coach, and has been national team sailing coach for Norway, Uganda and the military dictatorship of Burma. He has lived with Indians in the Amazon and hung out with drug lords in Rio’s favelas, but he thrives best in a sailboat with fleece tights north of the Arctic Circle. As skipper, Stig Arild is best known for serving the crew mimosas far out at sea.

Meet Trygve, the steady hand at the helm who provides our guests with both security and the knowledge to gradually take control of the sailing boat. He’s not just a sailor; he’s an active mountain enthusiast who conquers the slopes both on foot and with skis. When he’s not steering the boats at SeilNorge, he’s out there participating in events and always ready to lend a helping hand to the team. Whether on land or sea, Trygve is always up for an adventure!