From Egersund to Farsund to Nodeviken
Here are the coordinates Roy:
Egersund anchorage, (58 28.2N 005 58.2E)
Farsund, (58 05.5N 006 48.4E)
Nodeviken, 57 58.9N 007 32.2E)
The anchorage just a mile north outside Egersund proved interesting.
It was guarded by a large outcrop between the main channel and a valley. Result being that the wind couldn’t decide which way to blow on Josin, and we weather-vaned to and fro sporadically. It changes the view. Also, the railway was about 100m away and it was unusual to have trains rumbling past at regular intervalls.
Looking at the weather forecasts for tomorrow all promised a good northerly wind to blow us south along at a fine pace, so, early to bed…
Morning dawned bright and clear, and we were away at 7, passing the offshore base on the way motoring out of the harbour. Much “offshore yellow” paint.
Out into the open sea we found the wind, as promised, about 15 knots and steady, unrolled the genoa and stopped the engine. This was promising, as we had a long way to go planned. Autopilot had to work hard as the wind had built up quite a swell, almost aft, which caused Josin to wander.
After a few hours, the wind gradually increased, (not forecast), the waves got bigger and I reduced sail by rolling in the genoa somewhat. Still excellent boat speed. Took a video to illustrate the waves, and motion. Looks quite benign, doesn’t it, but wait…..
The mid-day weather forecast over VHF announced a gale-warning in this area. None of the other weather sites I had studied had mentioned this development, so this was a bit of a surprise. Yes, the forecast was right. Wind increased to 25 knots and more, so more sail was rolled in. And the waves got bigger. This was fun until we got pooped by a particularly large and aggressive crest roaring down upon us and dumping lots of white water over the stern. Not so much fun!
I think the state of the waves was significantly aggravated by a strong north-flowing current. Whatever.
Things got calmer after we had passed Lista, but still energetic enough to discourage many more hours of the same, so Plan B, divert to port and sail, a little battered but not in the least bowed, in to Farsund.
Ashore for provisions and a snooze, and then motored the few miles to a favourite anchorage and P&Q.
Next morning was very quiet. Yesterday’s bluster all gone, and no waves. Strange how quickly conditions could change. Forecast westerly breeze at 8 knots later. Excellent. Take-it-easy morning in the sunshine.
Lunch was enjoyed in the cockpit before optimistically setting off for a comfortable sail. Not so lucky. The breeze wasn’t strong enough, and still with that with a strong current against, and even with all sail set the engine had to help.
Past Lindesnes the contrary current didn’t reduce, so we continued to motor-sail, (again).
The evening before I had picked out a natural anchorage which I thought I remembered, Nodeviken, which had small platforms to tie up to, and it checked, except that it was shallower than last time (odd!) and approaching very, very slowly, the keel touched something hard so we retired and anchored instead.
So, a quiet evening, entertained by a sports boat coming in and tying up and disgorging a flock of kids, who rushed around and had fun for an hour or so, and then they left.
Quiet night. Woke at sunrise lighting up the cabin, and stuck my sleepy head out to suss the morning. A heron, standing stock still, staring at the water just meters away, waiting for a fish to come within stabbing distance. Unfortunately I must have made a noise, he looked at me, then flapped slowly away, to another fishing spot a hundred meters away. Sorry beautiful bird, that i disturbed you, hope you got your breakfast.
Next stop Kristiansand.
Alls well,
John
Josin's 2025 cruise 