12th July 2023 We had a great night’s sleep in Engelskbukta and then motored up toward Kongfjorden to look at more and bigger glaciers. We sailed into Fjortende julibukta to looks at the very pretty …
Exploring Kongsfjorden
Arctic
Playful walruses at Poolpynten
10th July 2023 So now the connection is disappearing which means we cannot add pictures to the post and our phone connection is very limited. As we new this was happening we used our last …
Visiting glaciers at Trygghamna
9th July 2023 Leaving Longyearbyen we were determined to see some of the amazing Svalbardian nature, so we started moving towards 2 fjords nearby. We are still struggling with no wind or wind straight in …
A day at Bjørnøya (Bear Island)
In a sheltered cove, surrounded by cliffs and curious seabirds, a tranquil evening turned into a practical day. Steve’s ambitious to-do list included fixing the stove and joining a northern naked bathing club. Despite anchoring challenges, a celebratory dip marked the end. Now, sailing towards Svalbard, they anticipate reaching southern Svalbard in 24 hours.
Approaching Bear Island
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.
Visiting the historic fishing village Nusfjord
In Reine, Sarah’s spontaneous run to Reinebringen’s 1566 stone steps delayed the departure, but a chance meeting with Saphir’s owners eased concerns. Motor sailing to Nusfjord, the shallow harbor added excitement. Disappointed by the closed bakery, a walk through the historic town followed. Evading the coastguard, they anchored, and Sarah’s apple cake lifted spirits for an early start.
Off to Lofoten
Eager to leave Bodø and its harbor struggles, they cherished the town’s culinary delights but lamented the amenities. Adjusting to Sarah’s organized chaos, Steve embraced a more vegetarian diet. Seizing a favorable wind across Vestfjorden, they sailed through Sørvær and reveled in a smooth journey, relishing memories as Lofoten emerged, offering grandiose Norwegian beauty.
Arctic circle, Saltstraumen and sea eagles
Excited by sunny weather, they sailed comfortably, eventually marking the Arctic Circle with a memorable celebration. In Bodø, vibrant nightlife, a unique laundry experience, and a thrilling Saltstraumen rib safari featuring massive whirlpools and close encounters with eagles defined their day. A pizza dinner concluded the energizing day for the continued journey.
Svalbard Cruising Resources – Updated for 2025
2025 Update – Some useful resource links and downloads for Sailing to Svalbard updated to include the new regulations that came into force 1st Jan 2025
Expedition Defensive Weapons Training
Prepared for the Arctic, I received intensive training from the National Rifle Association on weapons handling and shooting under duress for Polar Bear defense. The necessity of shooting within 25 meters underscores the urgency of remaining vigilant in the Arctic’s challenging conditions, with hopes that such training is never needed.