Kiel to Copenhagen sailing vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Every voyage, the Baltic Explorer included, is measured against a carbon footprint methodology that we developed, with the calculation tool built by Marineshift 360 to our specification. We track fuel use, food and food waste, marina services and shore-based accommodation on every trip we run, not just the headline ocean crossings. Because every trip is measured, we can compare routes and keep finding ways to reduce the impact of the voyages that follow.

The Baltic is naturally one of our lower-impact routes: short, sheltered passages between ports mean far less engine time than an open ocean expedition, and we aim to sail efficiently in the moderate summer winds typical of the region rather than relying on the diesel. We provision in each port along the route, Kiel, Copenhagen, and Gdansk rather than carrying food for the whole voyage from a single departure point, which keeps food miles down and spend in each local economy.

We also encourage our guests and crew to spend time ashore in every port, so the communities we visit share directly in the benefit of each voyage.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The Baltic Explorer calls at working harbours and historic port cities rather than purely touristic marinas, and we build in proper time ashore at each stop rather than treating them as overnight changeovers only. Guests are encouraged to eat, shop and explore locally wherever we tie up, and we provision in each port so that spend stays with the harbours and businesses we visit. Gatsby herself is based and maintained in Denmark. With a maximum of six guests aboard, our visits are personal and low-impact, never adding to the crowds in the ports we call at.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We reserve 20% of places across our entire trip programme for the Open Oceans fund — fully funded berths for people who wouldn't otherwise have the means or the confidence to join an ocean voyage. Open Oceans launched in 2023 as our inclusivity programme, and every funded place helps grow a more diverse and connected sailing community. This commitment to inclusive adventure sailing was recognised by the LUXlife Marine Tourism Awards, which named us Global Sailing Sustainability & Inclusivity Champion in 2024.