Sailing adventures on a Hallberg Rassy 40 in higher latitudes
Skipping anchoring due to wind, they enjoyed ice cream and cannolis at Mieles, exploring Inverness. Sarah’s boat-driving stint into the lock added excitement. In Inverness, they discovered the need for restaurant reservations but found a lively Indian spot. After a drink and live music, they wrapped up with the impressive band Church Street Shuffle before setting off for Shetland.
Savoring a delicious fish and chips burger at The Lock Inn, followed by whisky and portrait drawing, they had a lively evening. After a good morning assisted by friendly lock staff, they set sails for a few pleasant downwind hours in Loch Ness. Plans changed, leading them to a pontoon for an evening with movies and rainy weather.
Navigating the Caledonian Canal, we tackled Neptunes Staircase, comprising 8 large automatic locks. Alongside a team circling Britain in a powerful rib, we faced a time constraint with bridges closing at 4 pm. Stuck after the last lock, we spent the afternoon polishing fenders and enjoying a leisurely break.
14th May 2023 Today we had a long trip planned as we wanted to catch up with some miles. Everything was planned and we had made lunch and plotted the route. We got up early …
12th May 2023 After testing the keel on the rock outside the harbour, we can say that it is safe use on hard objects. Therefore we are now ready to start the real journey. Wuhuuu
An eventful day on the Caledonian Canal unfolded with a playful Scandi race between a Danish crew member and a Swedish boat, featuring a swing bridge joker. Loch Lochy’s beauty mesmerized them as they reached Fort Augustus. The highlight was a delightful dinner at The Loch Inn, followed by a pub crawl to explore the local Talisker offerings.
The team is thrilled with our new warm beanie hats and hooded jackets, thanks to Banana Moon’s excellent craftsmanship. A big shoutout to Rachel from Bird Design & Branding for bringing our logo design and branding to life. Our website, hosted securely by Easyspace, and social media accounts are flourishing.
Equipped for Arctic waters, the crew now has Viking immersion suits for safety. A smart addition is the Ultra Anchor Ring emergency recovery device from Ultra Marine, not just for anchoring but doubles as workout equipment. Annual checks include inspecting the anchor chain, replacing markers, and recalibrating the Autoanchor Remote. Prepared for remote cruising!
Embarking on a self-funded 5000-mile journey from Scotland to Svalbard, Snow Bear’s crew aims to raise awareness about polar bear conservation in the face of habitat loss. Follow their adventure on the website and Facebook page @snowbearsailing. Support Polar Bears International with donations for vital research and education efforts.
With another day of motoring, they pushed through the desire to stay in harbor and watch movies, realizing the importance of progress. The clear day revealed a northern landscape with disappearing trees and golden hues. The fishing industry’s presence was evident with circular fish farms. Passing through narrow entrances, they anchored at Villa Island’s secluded pontoon harbor, enjoying its picturesque tranquility. A chance encounter with a mink catcher added an unexpected, yet amusing, twist to the day.