From Brønnøysund to Støtt
Sunday 20th in Brønnøysund was an “Indoor” day, wind and rain, which gradually cleared up on monday such that by late afternoon, we set off for Vega, in a light SW wind which needed help from the engine. Tied up to the rather strange pontoon, (think it used to be part of a salmon farm), to which one must step up, and not down. Friend Britt was at home, together with her brother Johan and a grandchild. I had unfortunately forgotten to insert my hearing aids, and as the years go by, it gets more difficult to understand Johan, his dialect is very local, but a convivial evening with coffee and “lefse”, (sort of pancake). It transpired that Britt was leaving the next day to stay with daughter in Brønnøysund, so plans for a longer stay went aglay.
Next morning was beautifully sunny and as it was the day they opened the cafe and museum for the summer, the famous waffles and coffee had to be sampled. I also “helped” Johan with his collections of engines, one of which was encouraged to start and run with suitable chuffing noises:
Here should have appeared a video, with sound, but it would not happen, bother, sorry.
So, with company away, we travelled on in late afternoon, to Hjartøy (66 0.5 / 012 24.8), a perfect anchorage. Took two pictures of the Seven Sisters, one in the evening and one the next morning:
Interesting cloud formations on each top. Next morning, warning cirrus clouds.
After a very quiet night, only disturbed by the (penetrating) cries of oystercatchers, we puttered in to Sandnessjøen, for supplies, a new cupholder, whoopee, and a slice of fresh halibut from the fish shop almost on the quayside. The promised front was on its way, but the wind was blowing from suitable southwest, so I didn’t dawdle, and off we went in perfect genakker weather, but alas, no gennaker, so genoa had to suffice. We made very good progress until late afternoon when the wind gradually subsided, the clouds lowered and it got much colder. My ambitious goal of Rødøya, (66 39.9 / 013 13.3), where there is an excellent restaurant and an anticipated treat, was just an hour too far, I was getting cold in spite of the many layers, and when the Polar Circle was passed:
We tied up in the familar harbour at Selsøyvik, (63 34.5 / 012 58.8), in the arriving drizzle, with only two other boats. Their crew sat on the visitors bench group beside a smoking barbeque, trying to celebrate Midsummers Eve. Normally this is celebrated with bonfire and jollity and special food, but the conditions not being at all encouraging, everyone retired soon to the warmth of their cabins. An inclement evening, mitigated for me by a succulent steak of halibut and plenty chips.
The weather got better during the night, and a SSW breeze blew nicely. It was still un-summerly chilly however and I put on even more layers to tame the temperature. We passed the famous Lion of Rødøy, (not the most advantageous viewpoint, as navigating took priority over picture taking), and got into the sailing groove.
The wind was affected by tall islands, changing direction and strength, so we had to gybe quite often, but the wind remained strong enough all the way to Støtt, (66 55.5 / 013 26.1), also familiar, where there is another good restaurant, which I am now about to visit.
Alls well
Josin's 2025 cruise 