Over Hustadvika to Kristiansund.
The route from Ålesund to Bud, (waiting place to go over Hustadvika), was enjoyable because we could sail almost all the way, but less so because of the intermittent rain. (When is the summer weather coming?).
Having negotiated the islands and rocks, well signposted, out of the area north east of Bud in calm conditions, we emerged into open sea and not-so-calm ones. Image tries to give an impression of the plethora of markers and lights, but not really instructive. The cloudy skies are though.
The wind gradually increased until I began to think about reducing sail, (that, the pundits say, is when one should do it), but I remembered what the forecast wind was, 15 to 18 knots, force 5, and thought I would wait a while. Needen’t have done. So, rolled in nearly half the genoa, no main today, and was still doing 6 -7 knots, bobbing and rolling. Then rain, and poor visibility, and wet gloom, and commercial ships appearing suddenly.
First an uncomfortable rounding of Stad, and now this? Weather is variable, remember!
The wind blew relentlessly, so the sail was rolled in well before going under the bridge and entering Kristiansund’s harbour under engine. Nearly empty guest pontoons made it easy to choose. Attach mooring ropes, couple up to shore power and turn on the heater, divest wet and put on dry, and soon the gloom was banished.
Next morning was heavy skies and intermittent rain, so I caught the bus to the shopping center, called Futura (!), and sheltered and shopped a bit. Yes, there’s both Biltema and Clas Ohlson there, but no boat things, that’s in the town.
Returned later to find four more sailing boats moored on the same pontoon, all of which were last seen in Måløy, and on the MT app, disappearing round Stad the day I turned back.
Which is interesting. It seems to support my observation that, over time and distance when cruising, the daily average distance covered is between 25 and 30 nm, all conditions taken into consideration. Only the racers try for more.
So pontoon talk is of common experiences and special ones. Mine was watching several gannets fishing, really close to Josin, an impressing sight. Impossible to film or photo unfortunately.
Today, saturday, the sun is actually trying to shine, on a calm harbour but contrary winds outside. The little flotilla is staying put. Tomorrow looks promising for further sailing northward.
Alls well,
WaitingJohn
Josin's 2026 blog 