DID you see a strange ship off the Isle of Wight this summer? It could have been Grey Wolf, the explorer ship with ice-breaking capabilities.

Grey Wolf can travel pretty much anywhere in the world, from sandy coves in Tahiti and the Azores to the icy expanses of Antarctica.

Scroll through the gallery of pictures above to see more...

And now you can book an adventure in 2023 with Grey Wolf, which visits the coastlines less travelled.

Isle of Wight County Press: Grey Wolf moored at Trinity Landing, Cowes, in August.Grey Wolf moored at Trinity Landing, Cowes, in August. (Image: IWCP/Kate Young)

Built in 2017 by Circa Marine in New Zealand, Grey Wolf is a 24-meter (78ft) FPB series (Functional Power Boat) which was created for one thing in mind – long distance exploration which is as eco-friendly as possible.

It has the highest worldwide safety rating available, as well as high average cruising speed, heavy weather capability and an efficient, effective design to minimise its environmental footprint and reduce running costs.

Its low profile exterior conceals a luxurious interior, which allows Grey Wolf to blend in more easily in remote areas.

It can take up to seven guests on journeys to bucket-list destinations and is run by a small crew.

It's a perfect base for diving, snorkeling, fishing, paddle boarding and kayaking to help you enjoy your surroundings.

Grey Wolf also has plenty of mod cons which makes it perfect for people who are blogging or on photographic expeditions.

WATCH: a short video about explorer ship Grey Wolf

Its planned trips for this winter includes visits to Norway for whale-watching and the Northern Lights.

In May, Grey Wolf is undertaking a Scotland Malt Tour, followed by more cruises in Norway in June and July.

In July, the ship will also be heading to Svalbard, while in August there are trips to Greenland and Iceland planned.

In September, Grey Wolf is expected to be exploring Greenland and the Northwest Passage.

You are in experienced hands if you take a trip on Grey Wolf - the senior captain Peter Watson is a successful businessman and has had a maritime career spanning more than 30 years.

He's got ice pilot qualifications and attained Polar Basic and Polar Advanced qualifications at the internationally renowned maritime college, Aboa Marine, in Turku, Finland, which has been delivering maritime training since 1813. 

And if you are from the Isle of Wight, you may well recognise one of the other regular crew members - Stuart McIntosh was a former Cowes Harbour Master for many years.

  • See: greywolf.co for more details about the ship, and agents westnautical.com to book. West Nautical has access to a global fleet of over 2,000 yachts of all types. 

Isle of Wight County Press: One of the bedrooms aboard Grey Wolf.One of the bedrooms aboard Grey Wolf. (Image: Contributed)