Sailing adventures on a Hallberg Rassy 40 in higher latitudes
We spent a week in Tórshavn harbour, where we rented a car and drove around the Faroe Islands. Following the scenic routes in the road map is very pretty, but it is a good idea to bring food and drinks on the trip. We also visited the famous bar on the island Nólsoy.
We arrived in Oban, Scotland on a sunny day, eager to explore. Oban proved ideal for stocking up provisions at local supermarkets. Although touristy with disappointing dining initially, we found a gem. Next, we motored to Tobermory, timed perfectly with its annual music festival. After enjoying the vibrant scene and friendly guest, our trip continued with to Canna Island, filled with historical sites and stunning natural beauty.
We have been quiet lately as we’ve been immersed in sailing life and busy provisioning and planning. We have sailed when it fitted the tide and slept light while anchoring so we have been a little groggy at times. We journeyed from Ballycastle to Oban. We have been enjoying Scotland’s majestic landscapes and people mixed with preparing for going north.
We had to sail back to Ballycastle to wait for the right weather to go to Scotland and continue North. But we put some of our resources in this post in case other people could find them useful. Ireland is definitely a fantastic place to sail and we
Our journey around the Coast of County Donegal was trouble free until our heating stopped. Fortunately we had planned a stop at Killybegs, (a vibrant Fishing Port with friendly locals) to service our life-raft giving us chance to fix the problem and indulge in local cuisine and rich Irish culture.
Sailing to Derry in Northern Ireland needed some careful planning. Swells and currents made it treacherous, but the Causeway coast’s cliffs were breathtaking. Mooring was a nightmare, akin to a Barentsburg night. Despite closed galleries, Derry’s history, food, and street art made it very memorable.
Ballycastle is clearly a popular Summer tourist destination and as soon as we arrived here, we got the Spring feeling.
Coming into the harbour can be a little dramatic as the Atlantic swells easily get quite big. To get into the harbour you have to do a sharp turn around the break water, but as soon as you have turned the corner, the inner harbour is nice and calm.
In Belfast, we enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and great restaurants. We continued to Glenarm, a small village with lots of historic points. We took a trip to the neighbouring marina where a scene from Game of Thrones had been filmed. the the wind was right to continue to Ballycastle and sailing around the dramatic cliffs Fair Head into its well-protected harbour.
Planning an Arctic expedition demands meticulous preparation. Navigating remote areas requires a self-sufficient crew, capable of boat repairs. Polar bear encounters necessitate firearm training and permits. Extensive paperwork, including sailing, rifle, and landing permits, along with insurance, must be sorted well in advance. Despite challenges, the Arctic offers breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and continuous summer sunlight. Access planning resources at the provided link.
Spending a few days in the lovely Belfast, we have been visiting art galleries and have had some very good food and entertainment, but also visited the Titanic museum, which was a touching experience. Belfast is a great mix of new quarters, traditional bars and lots of street art.