Monday was a bit of an anticlimax, after supersunday in a sailplane. But onward! Forecast was for deterioration in the weather, so decided to return to Harstad, and be boat-busy in the rain. Lovely sunshine and sailing in gusty and terrain-variable winds.
Vågsfjord, the last open fjord before Harstad, showed its teeth again, with short sharp waves pressed up by a northerly blow, on the nose of course. A very bouncy and wet two hours. Bit of a relief to tie up in my usual place at the end of the floating pontoon. The weather certainly did deteriorate, with rain and more wind, veered to the northeast. Vågsfjord now produced not only waves, but rollers which, in spite of a long floating breakwater, managed to curl sneakily round its end and press right into the guest harbour, causing much movement. Increased during the night to levels which made it impossible to sleep, what with the motion and tugging at the moorings, and things banging about in the boat. That is normally only experienced when sailing in hard conditions! Felt very grotty next morning, sleeplessness aggrified by activity and irritation. Tried to take a video, although the motion had quietened down a bit.
Motion lasted all day and only softened some in late evening, by which time nothing would prevent me from sleeping.
Yesterday, in by now only light drizzle, and much calmer waters, we pottered round to Harstad Marina, in the inner part of this large harbour, in search av blocks and ropes damaged in the drama. Also filled up with diesel, again. Feeling better.
Lighter skies today and less drizzle. Maybe better later, when we should head south again. Goal is Narvik, but need a stop on the way. Much studying of tide tables and head-scratching as to when to leave, to time the strong currents in the narrows ahead. Better go food-shopping, now its dry for a bit.
Alls well.
Josin's 2025 cruise 