Sailing adventures on a Hallberg Rassy 40 in higher latitudes
Setting off for another day of motoring through the captivating Norwegian channels, the day started with sunshine and mild winds. However, upon reaching the Norwegian Sea, turbulent swells took a toll on Ilse, forcing her to announce she couldn’t continue the trip due to seasickness. A somber final meal marked her departure amid a grey and rainy day.
Setting off early for a day of motoring north through narrow channels in Norway, the absence of wind was tolerable for navigating intricate passages between islands and shallow areas. Enjoying the stunning beauty of the route, the skipper took a break from the ever-cheerful and service-oriented crew. Reaching open water without wind, they opted to return to the channels.
Departing from Wick, the North Sea offered a smooth downwind sail, covering 345NM in just over two days with winds reaching 35 knots and 3-4 meter waves. While the skipper managed the challenges, the crew enjoyed restful nights at sea. Arrival in Norway coincided with a holiday, delaying customs clearance but not hindering the crew’s enjoyment of local alcohol.
Leaving Inverness under bright sun, a little seal bid farewell. Their first night sail along the coast was calm, with crew members dozing off. Arriving in Wick at 5 AM, they enjoyed a short sleep and brunch with French toast. With a few planned nights in Wick, they await favorable winds for their next leg.
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.
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.
Embarking in May 2023, our voyage spans 5000NM, navigating from the West Coast of Scotland to destinations like Fair Isle, Shetland, Norway (Lofoten Islands included). We’ll spend 4 weeks in Svalbard, reaching 80 Degrees North, with a return route via Jan Mayen, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. Afterward, we intend to continue south, venturing across the Atlantic toward Brazil or the Caribbean for sun-soaked adventures.