Sailing adventures on a Hallberg Rassy 40 in higher latitudes
Our trip to Greenland took a few unexpected turns leaving us with some unanswered questions about our radar! The weather is sometimes an evil master. We had plan A,B and C ready but it turned out to be a very hard sail and we share some lessons in this post
After spending a few days sailing to Iceland we were enjoying some great days in Westman Islands. Sarah had been here as a kid and were excited about seeing the fantastic cliffs and puffins again. A lot of nice restaurants has also opened and there are many nice hikes to the top of volcanos and steep mountains.
Saying goodbye to the UK was more emotional than expected, but we have now sailed to Faroe Islands. It takes some planning to get to Faroe Islands as the waters can be difficult and fog is very normal. We arrived in Vágur and went hiking. Then we visited Tvøroyri and met hospitable locals. The harbours are mostly made for fishing vessels and all gear is needed to get electricity, water and calm mooring.
Useful resources and information for planning to sail the Viking Route across the North Atlantic.
29th september 23 – 16th october 23 So whilst Nordnorskmarine were giving the boat some care and attention Steve spent a few weeks in the UK and Denmark visiting family and friends, returning to Bodo …
After a four-and-a-half-day sail from Svalbard to Harstad, the journey included both motoring and sailing, with sightings of dolphins and a swordfish. Experiencing nightfall was a novelty after constant daylight. A tense moment occurred when overhearing a mysterious military exchange between Russian and US warships. Celebration followed a safe arrival in Harstad, where the crew adjusted to Sarah’s impatience with fluctuating ETAs and Steve dealt with post-Brexit check-ins. The subsequent days were spent relaxing, drinking Cuban coffee, enjoying haircuts, a dinner with a friend, and replenishing supplies without the need for safety gear on Svalbard. Sarah finished her book, deeming it very good.
On their 560NM journey to Norway, the crew experienced good sailing until their speed dropped to 3.5 knots. Challenging swells resulted in discomfort aboard, with Steve occupying the only comfortable spot. Amid burnt cookies and book-reading challenges, they’ve had dolphin encounters but feel the isolation keenly, especially over deep waters. They’re now acclimating to life at sea.
On 11th August 2023, our group’s boats split, with two of us venturing south, anticipating fair weather. We’re ready for our longest passage of the year, altering our route due to military-imposed no-go zones. We’re bracing for days of motoring, upwind sailing, and the comfort of fresh bread. Steve jokingly challenged Sarah to finish her book, facing a sleepy co-sailor and extra work. Connection resumes in 3-4 days.
The story of a few days in spent in Longyearbyen in Svalbard after sailing from Norway. We spent the days shopping for the next month and enjoying the local cafees.
This is the story of sailing from Bjørnøya to Svalbard. We find spent a night at an anchorage and see ice in the water and glaciers.