Sailing adventures on a Hallberg Rassy 40 in higher latitudes
On 10th August 2023, after leaving Barentsburg, we sailed to Mariasundet under sunny skies and mild conditions, opting for this location over windier southern regions. Despite forecasts for light wind, overnight gusts surprisingly reached over 30 knots, causing frequent anchor checks. Today, we’re holding steady in strong winds while Sarah serenades Steve with musicals in two languages, as we reminisce about sunsets.
9th August 2023 After our bumpy night in Tempelfjord we decided to play it safe an spend a night at an anchorage outside of Longyearbyen. It was a perfect way to get back on top …
6th August 2023 It has been quite on here because we have been relaxing in Longyearbyen – well not really relaxing but shopping for going south, prepping the engine and waiting.We also had time to …
With the Late Night watching the Bear it was a slow morning after having turned the day around again. We had a late breakfast and got our stuff together, so we could go look at London; an abandoned marble quarry established by the English only to find out that arctic marble crumbles when going South.
Just as we are about to anchor we see a polar bear walking across the hill. We decide to follow it from the boat and see it finding a dead walrus.
22nd July 2023 After a day in hibernation we finally reached 80 degrees North! We would like to tell you the story of big waves and strong wind and the struggles we had to go …
17th June 23 We were recommended to stop by the little island Skrova, so we decided to get up and get moving. The trip out of Henningsvær is very pretty and the sunny weather is …
Navigating the chilly waters towards Bear Island at 74 degrees north, the duo battles exhaustion and irregular sleep during their 3-day journey. Despite fatigue, the allure of encountering whales and dolphins keeps spirits high. Groggy and disoriented, strange eating habits emerge, but Sarah’s adaptation brings hope for a better routine. Anchoring on Bear Island’s southeast side, they anticipate a windless night ahead.
26th June 2023 The last week has involved a lot of thoughts regarding continuing North. As we have done the whole trip motoring, we are now anxious to get the sails up and do some …
Smoothly sailing to Brønnøysund, they passed the famous Torghatten rock with its photogenic hole, though clouds obscured the view. Attempting fishing, Steve’s speedy sailing sabotaged the effort. Opting for a restaurant in Brønnøysund, a delightful evening unfolded with Saphir, featuring a four-course dinner, wine, and a jovial return to the boat.