Sailing adventures on a Hallberg Rassy 40 in higher latitudes
After returning from London, our plan for a smooth transition to Ireland faced unexpected delays due to persistent winds in Greenock. When the weather finally cooperated, we set sail, rediscovering the joys and challenges of life on the water. Anchoring near Belfast channel entrance before navigating the shipping channel to our marina in the vibrant Titanic Quarter.
Returning to James Watts marina ahead of a storm, the sailors secured their boat with help from neighbors. Amid rising tides and wind, they replaced a failed port light, struggled with a broken washer, and had travel plans to Glasgow disrupted by the weather. In London, they dined in Battersea, visited the American Embassy and art galleries, and enjoyed a sci-fi play in Soho before enduring a delayed train ride back to Glasgow.
Useful resources and information for planning to sail the Viking Route across the North Atlantic.
13th-19th January 2024 After leaving James Watt marina we headed for Loch Goil and went castle hunting. This is quite easy in Scotland as they are everywhere! The reason for the castle hunting was that …
January 7th-12th 2024 On a sunny Sunday morning we finally Cast off the lines! It felt surreal and very unbelievable that we were finally leaving Portavadie harbour. We also learned that Danes and Brits have …
Sarah spent two months in Denmark organizing her life before embarking on an adventure with Steve. Upon arrival, both contracted COVID, causing delays and a reassessment of their quick decisions. Despite the setbacks, they enjoyed road trips in England and delayed their journey until January. New Year’s was celebrated in Glasgow, with excitement for the year’s adventures ahead.
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 …
On August 23rd, we returned to Bodø and are preparing to entrust Snow Bear to NordNorsk Marine for maintenance, including a prop shaft seal replacement. Sarah heads to Copenhagen for work and family, while Steve visits the UK to manage Brexit travel restrictions. Exciting future plans for Snow Bear to be revealed later.
Before Sarah returns to work in Copenhagen, we spent serene evenings at Hamarøy, savoring wine and whiskey, even catching the Northern Lights. At Herøya, we enjoyed cost-effective amenities and a spring clean. However, our boat’s seal leaked from intensive motoring and glacial silt, necessitating potential repairs in Norway.
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.