Firebird Sailboat – Sailing & Skiing Combined

Typically, what sort of images does a luxury sailing yacht conjure for you? I’m sure you’re picturing dappled waters and palm trees, warm breezes and white sands. And you’d be right to do so, as these are what many strive for when planning a sailing vacation. 

However, not all charter vacations are typical. Not all vacations are aboard Firebird. 

Firebird, an astounding Oyster 885 RS, named after Russian fairy-tale, offers a charter experience like no other. Custom created for the purpose of exploring otherwise inaccessible areas, without losing an ounce of the luxury you’d expect from a charter yacht. 

Gliding between islands inside the Arctic Circle, Firebird will take you to breath-taking areas you never thought possible. The crew expertly ease into inlets, leading to towering glaciers in northern Norway. You can expect unparalleled climbing, piste-free peaks and unforgettable fjords. Anything but a typical luxury yacht charter. 

The Yacht

Launched in the UK in 2016, Firebird was custom-designed by an adventurous owner, wishing to make the most of the rise in yacht-based ski mountaineering amidst the Nordic peaks and fjords. The avid skiers amongst you may be familiar with Norway’s Lyngen Alps. What you may not have realised is that many of the pistes are only accessible by boat. Whilst some tour operators are starting to catch on to this, few (if any) offer the luxury comfort that charterers have come to expect. Enter – Firebird. 

Inspired by a Hermès scarf, the first thing you may notice is the unusual, but not obtrusive, grey and orange color scheme. Next, assuming you have already taken in the resplendent presence of the 88 footer, your eyes may be drawn to the teak decks, the suede benches, or the leather-lined bulkheads. 

The Cabins

As your crew welcomes you aboard (more about them later), you’ll probably want to head below deck to suss out the accommodation. Seven guests can comfortably take the four cabins – a master suite, and three further en-suite. 

The midship cabin can also be configured as a fully equipped office or additional saloon area. 

The guest spaces flow seamlessly and elegantly – providing all expected home comforts. Amenities are digitally controlled, and TVs are discreetly concealed behind mirrors and artwork. 

Above Deck

Typically offering an al fresco dining experience for its Mediterranean cousins, this Oyster 885 RS has instead been fitted with a fully enclosed and heated cockpit. Guests can marvel at the striking Arctic views without having to layer on the thermals. 

The raised saloon also offers panoramas for guests to soak up, when not out conquering these inviting lands. 

Other custom touches you may notice are a ski rack in the sail locker and boot-heaters in the lazarette. Only a passionate skier would have considered the importance of a warm pair of boots when designing this unique vessel. 

Ski

If you’re a skier, we needn’t exalt the experience of going off-piste, with spectacular views of the sea as you descend.

Firebird will take you via waterways to valleys which would otherwise take hours to access. You’ll be unlikely to see other boats navigating these waters. Pick a peak and head ashore. Glide down alpine faces, past birch trees, knowing that these may only be tracked once or twice a year. 

Let us assure you that non-skiers will have no difficulty finding entertainment. Snowshoeing, dog sledding and whale watching may pique your interest. As well as clusters of fishing villages, museums, distilleries and other historical sites awaiting exploration. 

Oh, and the Northern Lights regularly make an appearance above the silhouetted peaks. 

On-Board Amenities

Of course, this yacht isn’t just equipped for skiing. You’ll also find all of the usual equipment and entertainment you’d expect from a charter vacation.

Paddleboards, snorkels, fishing equipment, dive tanks, and 4.5m custom Rib-x are available for your water-sporting whims. 

Indoor entertainment can be found in the form of the aforementioned TVs in each cabin, extensive movie and music libraries, a Playstation 4 and Wi-Fi throughout. 

Sunbathing pads, a custom barbecue and yoga mats may entice you onto the outer deck. If you brave a plunge in the arctic waters, a hot aft deck shower will welcome you back aboard. 

Your Crew

Speaking of welcomes, you can expect the warmest of these as you finish your icy journey to your new home-from-home. 

The new Firebird team are as unique and fresh as the boat herself. Your Captain has had over 14 years aboard yachts in some very unusual and remote places. A world-class Chef who is also an experienced free diver and yoga enthusiast? Only on Firebird. 

If you’re inclined to catch your own supper, you may be dining on fresh salmon, prawn and mussels. Otherwise, Chef may rustle up reindeer rump, mash and gravy. Followed by pears poached in cinnamon and cloves. 

After a strenuous afternoon on the slopes, you will be greeted with freshly baked lemon drizzle cake, and afternoon tea. Of course, your menu can be discussed and co-created prior to the charter, with any dietary considerations taken care of.

All of these will be enjoyed from the oak dining table, with panoramic sunrises and sunsets to accompany you. 

Your crew has their own galley and mess, with two separate cabins, so privacy and discretion is guaranteed. 

Over To You

Firebird is a groundbreaking yacht, masterminded by a visionary with a true love of explorative skiing. A unique charter experience awaits you. Contact your Yacht.Vacations consultant for more information.