Started a bit late in the hopes that the weather would clear. It did, when we were half way to Straumen, on the island of Smøla. The wind changed and was now from a direction which would sail us to Grip, a small island community just a few miles offshore. Marvellous view of the “six sisters” on the way. About turn. Hoist sails and enjoy.
Grip, like many other similar places, was a fishing community which gradually turned into a holiday-homes community, with still a fishing boat or two. Very small harbour, with the guest pontoon occupied by a cabin cruiser which, judging by the green slime on its ropes, had been there a while. So we rafted up on Steve Cooling, who had to give up his place to a fishing boat later.
Just time for a quick wander round and a visit to the museum, the yellow building. Walls covered in old photos of fishy activities, and explanations of a way of life of yesteryear.
Then the “bus” arrived, with sunday tourists, amid a cloud of loudly complaining kittiwakes, disturbed from their nests in the truck-tyre fenders hanging from the quayside.
After enjoying the spectacle, we left, and sailed back to our original destination, Straumen. Very quiet on a sunday evening. Next day was not good, so we stayed, slept a lot, before an early start on tuesday, 06:00, in the hope of getting somewhere before the wind became contrary and strong. Much careful navigating through the islands and rocks to Hopen, a larger community on Smøla.
And then a surprise: A strange sculpture in two bits. An explanatary notice. The father of the Norwegian Sea Rescue Society, (Redningsselskapet), Tybring, who after tireless efforts over many years, managed to club together enough sponsors to establish the society, and then build the first vessel, “Colin Archer”, whose achievements are legion. “Colin”, (colloquial), is still very much alive and active today, and in good hands.
Hopen wasn’t exactly buzzing, but there were notices about Veiholmen, which apparently was, a few nm further north. So, more embroidery-navigation, for motor, and we were there. Houses all higgeldy-piggeldy with some asphalt and mostly grass in between. Much larger harbour with many boats, including active fishing boats. Also here were most of the houses holiday homes, well cared for. Lots of children, including an energetic few kicking a football around, and in the end, into the harbour. The rescue operation was enthralling. No one fell in though. Pity.
One of the larger buildings, the newly-restored Veiholmen Brygge, with very new restaurant, serving only pizza until friday, when the chef arrives. Good pizza.
Again an early start, 06:00, to beat the forecast increasing wind later, but the opposite happened. A circular route out around the north collection of rocks and islands led to open water, to be met by more than enough wind to scoot us along under full sail, and more than enough very choppy seas, to make breakfast uncomfortable. Then, after an hour or so of bash and splash, the wind gradually subsided until practically nothing, leaving just the choppy seas. Motor again, into the main Trondheims Leia, a long, broad sound, with the gradually increasing wind on the nose, to Laksåvika, on the south side of Hitra. A small anchorage, well protected from the chilly northeasterly. And, praise be, the sun burned away the low stratus clouds and the temperature shot up to 18. I could at last lounge in the cockpit and expose the skin to the sun’s healing rays, and generate some vitamin D. First this summer, HA! Water temperature is sill only 13. No bathing, not even a shattering in-and-out dip.
Alls well
Josin's 2025 cruise 