Skudeneshavn to Egersund.
One attempt to leave Skudeneshavn resulted in a slightly ignominious return, the seas being too rough for comfort. Next day was much better, so we set our sights on Egersund, over the long stretch past Jærens Rev, exposed to the North Sea’s winds and waves, and even this time in a just-favourable wind direction. We motor-sailed, or we sailed, or we motored, and made very good speed due to a most favourable current which bore us along most welcomingly. Tied up in Kværnavågen, (58 28.3 / 005 54.9), a small inlet a few miles west of Egersund town, and well protected from the weather, which turned increasingly blow-ey.
Next day it continued to blow, so we stayed put and snoozed and read. Forecast was reasonable for the next stretch, round Lista and Lindesnes, the southern most point of Norway, so we started very early to make the most of it. Another ignominious return. I expected the conditions close to shore to be a bit bumpy with yesterday’s waves still prevalent, and reflections from the shore, but even well offshore it was still too uncomfortable so we turned and almost surfed back again to Kværnavågen. More reading and snoozing. And the forecast for the next few days was definitely not good, so we pootled in to Egersund and tied up safe on the guest pontoon. The skies were blackening rapidly, Quick. Up with the cockpit tent in a hurry, (more haste, less speed next time), completed just as the first heavy drops fell. And they continued to fall, in great quantities, and sought out all the leaky places.
What to do? Weather-window next tuesday, (now friday). Suggestion from a sensible friend was to take the train back to Kongsberg for the interim. So suggested, so decided. Seat available. Bestill.
Woke reasonably early and closed down the boat. Taxi to the station as it was bucketing down, (still got wet though), and now we are rolling along in comfortable seat in a tilting train. Weather improving gradually as we travel east, so there is hope for Kongsberg.
Attempted to take pictures of the incredible and varied views on the way, but every time the subject was suitable and the window not rain-covered, we plunged into a tunnel, (there are hundreds of them in this spectacularly vertical and valleyed landscape), so no pics this time. Difficult to adjust to the un-used-to speed too. From 5 knots (10 km/hr) to 50 is a bit of a strain!
Alls well,
LandfastJohn
Josin's 2025 cruise 