Tag: sailing

Josin’s 2026 cruise, #13

How not to do it.

This season’s weather has recently been only cloudy gray, sunless, rain occasionally and sometimes foggy-drizzle, typically:


But the wind has been mostly southerly/westerly, så sailing has been downwind. One appreciates the positives!
So it was from Sandnessjøen (66 01.3N 012 37.7E) til Selsøyvik (66 34.3N 01258.9E).
On the way we crossed the Arctic Circle, (66 33.85N), and…….

“There it was the Dreadful Fate befell us, which I now relate” (Hillaire Belloc).

No, it wasn’t that dreadful, but stressful and educational.
Started from Sandnessjøen for motor in a little wind, which gradually increased to about 10 knots, ideal genaker breeze.
The genaker had not yet been out of its bag this cruise, so it was prepared the evening before in Sandnessjøen. Getting the various ropes correctly organised needs patience and no other activities, like sailing for example.
Correct preparation and waiting for the right breeze paid off, as the sail unrolled without a hitch and were floating along at a comfortable speed and grinning.
After only a quarter of an hour or so we sailed into a wind shadow and had to roll the sail in again. All went well, again. A while later, we were un-shadowed and again rolled the sail out and we were back sailing. This is getting easier by the minute!
A steady 5 to 6 knots, without the engine noise, was perfect.

Nearing our goal for the day, the wind very gradually increased to close to my preferred limit of 15 knots true, and I thought about rolling the genaker in. But, we were getting very close to the Arctic Circle, and I thought that the “Island with the Globe on it” would give wind shadow.
Tradition was honoured by blowing a horn when passing the circle, (nobody to hear):

and we sailed on to find that the presumed shadow was more of a funnel and suddenly the wind was blowing 20 knots.
You know the saying, ” if you are thinking about reefing sails, its probably too late”.
Well, it was!
There was so much power in the sail that the force on the roller line made slow hauling, (I used to be stronger), and in-rolling didn’t happen. We were of course going straight downwind and Norway was getting closer, so no time to un-roll the genoa to give shelter for the genaker. Should have done that first of course. So, last method, lower the halyard gradually and let the water douse the sail. Partially successful, which meant both of us hauling thin sailcloth in handfuls over the railing. Boat still heading downwind to try and tame those 52 square meters, but it was a struggle. Norway getting closer still so started the engine, in neutral of course, to avoid getting sail in the prop, which would have been a Dreadful Fate. At last the sail was mostly inboard and tamed, we breathed out, engaged gear and course set for Selsøyvik, just around the corner.
We high-fived.
Kari later bundled the sail to the rail with luggage straps and line, and there it will stay for all to see, in my shame, until Josin is moored and there is no wind.

Alls otherwise well,
ContriteJohn.

Josin’s 2026 cruise, #12

Rørvik to Brønnøysund.

Another motor-sailing day, slight north-going current, but no rain, just threatening clouds and poor visibility.
The strange shape, on the chart, of an island on the way when plotting the route, jogged the memory. Wasn’t it there that, on an earlier trip, I’ve seen an eagle?
Plan route that way. And yes, about here. Suddenly. One flew past on the port side, remarkably close and low down, then soared up and flew to its favourite tree. Must have swooped down to either have a look at us or scare us away. We fumbled for cameras but it was too far away, so we made a tight U-turn and puttered back, slowly, so as not to disturb it. We didn’t. It just sat there. 10x tele-lens, but still very small.

On, to Skei, E side of Leka, with the genoa helping a bit more. Just space for Josin, on the end of the pontoon. Several boats which were in Rørvik, so now we are part of the steem.

Next day, flat calm, with low clouds which didn’t leak. To Brønnøysund.
On the way, nearly there, is Torghatten, with the famous hole through the mountain.
On previous trips I have been to close to be able to see it so we tracked to the other side of the fjord to get a better angle. But we only saw just the top, which was strange. What was blocking the view? Mystery.

Brønnøysund. Guest harbour only half full. Bit of shopping in Havnesenteret, then quiet evening and rain again.
You know when you’ve arrived in Brønnøysund. Substantially based pole to tell you that you are only half way between the bottom and the top of Norway

Next morning, this morning, is just as bleak, and dripping from anything that can hold a drop.

As I took the photo, a trawler came in, (background). A shrimper! with notice saying “ferske reker”, which you all can guess means “fresh shrimp”. People waiting. Must be selling. Get dressed quickly. Join the queue. I was nr 6 when I got there. He had beige crates full. Bought just one liter.
The queue got longer in a steady stream of people. I said to the next in the queue, “Must be popular this shrimp boat”, or Norwegian words to that effect. The reply was “Det er fredag”. Succinct. Local knowledge. Schedule.

By the time I’d bought and paid, the queue had got longer and it just grew. Buyers cars parked all over the place!

When it stops drizzling, and being foggy, we shall motor the three hours to Vegstein, NE corner of Vega, and visit friends.

Alls well,
ShrimpsoonJohn.

Josin’s 2026 cruise, #11

Trondheim to Rørvik

Restaurant Osteria Moderna in Trondheim turned out to be a very good choice by John Magnus and Mariell, excellent food, discreet service, good space and a high ceiling where the noise disappeared. Family communication successful.

Started early next morning, goal was back to Brekstad. Forecasts good early, not so good later. Check. Motoring the first leg, westover into the wind, but then round the corner and northward and a fine sailing wind, a bit squally, most of the way to Brekstad. Meeting the waves and rain in Trondheimsleia the last few miles was a contrast and disappointment.
Next day it rained and blew enough to deter us from moving, so we went for a little shopping between showers. Brekstad is rather long and thin, the older part nearer the harbour is looking a bit sad, the newer developments further away comprehensive.

Next day, another early start to take advantage of promising westerly. From Brekstad one must go west first for about 5 nm before turning north. Those miles took over one and a half hours of motoring into short, choppy waves which really slowed Josin down. But having turned north, with the wind on the beam, we charged along under just half the genoa at full boat speed and fairly flat water except in the exposed parts, past a rather special old lighthouse, Kjeungskjæret, on the way:

all the way to Stoksund, (64 02.4N 01 03.7E). Theatrically dark clouds chased past, a few of them dropping remarkably cold showers of rain. We were glad to tie up in the very well sheltered guest harbour.
Forecasts for the next day were for continued WSW winds, reducing slowly later. But for the day after, almost continuous rain. We decided that there was nowhere along the way forward to entice us to spend a day sheltering, and aimed for Rørvik, (54 51.7N 011 13.8E).
It was 61,6 nm and 10 and a half hours. Fine full genoa sailing the first few hours, but, rather sooner than the forecasts said, lower wind speed. This combined with meeting the North Sea rollers over the exposed stretch Folla, ment that the engine had to do more of the work, until there was not enough wind to hold the sail full when the boat rolled. So just engine the last part. Had the engine running at low revs also earlier, to help the rudder steer. An Albin Ballad corkscews along in quartering seas, and these were big.
Lesser wind and waves meant that Kari could relax in the cabin, and she spent a very productive time knitting.

What? Thick socks for me, to go in my seaboots. Lucky me, specially my toes.

Very nautical don’t you think? Luxury!

Rørvik harbour was full, mostly very large boats of the long-distance type, and we only found a private slot available. Sure as eggs, just as we were settling down to dinner, the owner arrived, and we had to move, under the very helpful guidance of the young harbourmaster, to another private slot, but owner on holiday.

Today it has rained, as predicted, so we were glad of our decision yesterday. In a rain-pause we hurried to the shopping center. There, just outside, was a relatively new shop, “Smak”, (meaning Tasty), selling succulent stuff, including tasty local, well aged cheeses. We indulged.

Those of you who are on Facebook are able to read Kari’s daily postings, in Norwegian, (Google translate helps), with more of our doings and don´’tings Seek “Kari Cotton”.

Alls well,
DampJohn

Josin’s 2026 cuise, #10

Kristiansund to Trondheim.

Tied up in Kristiansund was this enormous vessel, (you can just see a human there), obviously built to serve the fish farming business. Saw it in action a couple of days later, apparently dealing with a net under one of its many cranes. Couldn’t get any closer, these fish farms are protected by lines of large very yellow buoys at a good distance. Trespassers william.


Had a good sail in sunshine from Kristiansund for a couple of hours before the wind rather suddenly stopped as a signal for a black-cloud front to march across the sky from the south west. Then it rained, heavily. Then it cleared with a good breeze on the nose. Motored on and tied up in Magerøya, (63 26.9N 008 59.3E), quiet and plenty of space so early in the season. Too late for the restaurant, which is apparently good. A favourite spot for day-trippers.


Next day, late start after the rain had cleared, the 30 nm to Brekstad, (63 41.1N 009 40.1E) motorsailing, motoring, boring.
Brekstad has a fast ferry to Trondheim, very convenient for sailors wanting to visit the city without sailing the two days to get there and back.

Next day to Trondheim under very variable “showers and bright periods” weather. Started with 15 knots of warm wind on the beam and fine boat speed for an hour and then calm. Then chilly rain. Then clearing and much more wind astern. Then calm. Then…..Repeat. To T’heim’s Skansen guest harbour, (63 26.0N 010 22.4E), in very trying gusty wind. Good help tying up from an English sailboat, crew busy struggling with extra fenders. Shades of Skjerjehavn! And just as uncomfortable until late.
Skansen harbour has changed, fewer pontoon meters, no El on some, and the facilities have been closed. This was discovered after i had paid the mooring fee for several nights and also paid for shower and washing machine. The receipt for the washing machine said it was for the other harbour, in Brattøra. Frustrating!
So next morning I filled up with diesel and pottered to Brattøra guest harbour, (63 26.3N 010 23.9E) instead. To find it full, so had to raft up, to welcoming Moonraker.


As you see from the left pic, the harbour is only a short walk to Trondheim’s sentral station, very convenient for crew changes. Moonraker is one of these roaming boats,(large) who take on paying crew for stages. Very tempting, but ah, no!

Kari arrived on the train in late evening and was duly installed in Josin’s forecastle suite. Late snack of local strawberries before sleep. Lovely to have her on board for a week or so, compensation for no Shetland trip.

I won’t bother you withe the saga about achieving access to the facilities here in Brattøra guest harbour, the shower escaped me but the washing machine didn’t. Suffice it to say that payments, which result in an access code, must be made in the strict order in which they are to be used. Otherwise a helpful but somewhat impatient man on the telephone has to be consulted when a code doesn’t work. Sailors beware!

Early sunshine this morning. Later Kari and I will be meeting John Magnus and Mariell for a restaurant dinner. That’ll be good.

Alls well,
PappaJohn

Josin’s 2026 cruise, #9

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 cruise, #8

Motor trouble.

The night in Sherjehamn (60 56.6N 004 57.3E), was very broken by having to re-organise fenders and ropes every so often to stop bumping hull to jetty, and sleep was intermittent. Conditions gradually subsided enough later in the morning to be able to get away, by rolling the boat along the pontoon on the fenders and then making a dash for it. It worked, and we were on our way again. Northerly wind, on the nose and too much of it, made for a hobby-horse ride and lots of spray. Tiring too! A lovely day helped! Christer caught us up on the way, and our little flotilla tied up in Askvoll (61 20.8N 005 04.0E), in private slots, harbour otherwise full. The owners were luckily away.

Next morning, after the cuppa, I was determined to have a last try at fixing Tone’s autopilot. Googled away til I had found the original user guide and read it thoroughly. So, after breakfast, Tone pottered Arctic Vibe out into the bay and we went through the whole start-up procedure having first done a factory reset. And Lo! it worked. Everybody surprised, and Tone very happy. The probable problem? The little memory-man in there had not been updated so he thought he was somewhere quite else, was confused and made desperate steering changes to try and reach there.

Off we go again, flotilla led by Josin, ‘cos the way through the islands was familiar, thankfully less seas today, past Florø, (61 36.1N 005 01.9E), and then NE into the wide fjord south of Bremangerlandet, where we hoped the wind would let us sail. It did, just, sometimes, but needed help to get up to windward occasionally.


Then the long curve to babord past Hornilen, the highest straight fall into the sea from about 1000 meters, (Christer being a climber ogled the possibility, another time), impossible to photograph, but from round the corner in Skåtestrømmen, seen from the rear side, it is still impressive.


Then in to Måløy (61 56.0N 005 06.8E), fairly late, to see one of those huge cruise ships at the quay, luckily not covering the guest harbour.

There we met Mitzy, another solosailor, who helped us dock, and who suggested pizza. Done.
Unfortunately, and very embarassingly indeed, just as I was organising ropes and fenders and unawares, a strong gust of wind pushed Josin into the quay, result:

A very squiffy pulpit. It will be straightened out next winter.

Skippers meeting next morning agreed that conditions were good for rounding Stad, so, after bobbing in the queue for diesel, off we went, youth first, rapidly, then Josin, then Arctic Vibe a little later.
But Artic Vibe didn’t move on the AIS plotter. I sent a message and Tone replied that she couldn’t start her engine, so I returned to help, Stad still begnign.
There followed intensive efforts by a mechanic from ships engineering co Verlo and I over the next two days but had to sadly conclude that the engine was tired of life and had given up.
Tone made arrangements to get towed to a workshop where the engine could be lifted out and worked on, unfortunately not before august, and get herself back home now and return then.

So, the “leaky gang” was now disbursed.

I, yesterday, that’s saturday 20th, set off once again to round Stad, this time with no wind and much more confused seas, in fact the worst I’ve experienced, to be rewarded by calmer waters and a fine sailing breeze which took us all the way to Ålesund.
Now, outside the city, at about this time of the summer solstice, an enormous tower built of pallets and drums is raised on a bare promentory. It is set alight at 21:00, and becomes a gigantic beacon, finally subsiding in a ball if flames and sparks, about two hours later. It was 35 meters high and looked like this. Lots of pics of it burning were posted on social media, you google “Slinningsbål”


I motored gently past it on the way to Ålesund Seilforening’s harbour (62 28.1N 006 12.4E) further into the fjord, where i found a free slot and was helped in by someone from the next door boat, whose cockpit was overflowing with happy youth, just about off to see the beacon.

The wind increased during the night to 15 m/sec, neargale force, making sleep difficult with all rigging on the surrounding boats whistling and screeching. Music to some. This wind is predicted to continue, although slightly less, for the next two days, so I’m staying put and visit friends.

VentilatedJohn.

Josin’s 2026 cruise # 7.

Decision time.

Sorry about the rather long pause since the last posting, time to write has seemed to elusive.
Opinions about the weather were divided in Egersund, while the southerly wind whistled in the rigging. Christer chose strong sailing wind and plenty rain, (youth survives being wet maybe), and departed next day, to report later that the rain stopped earlier than predicted and he had a fast sail to Tananger.
Tone and I waited for hopefully dryer conditions.

Christer’s contortions in the nether aft regions of Tone’s Maxi Fenix found the source of leakage, a loose through-hull fitting of the engine exhaust. Incomplete tightening of the nut left space and opportunity for it to corrode solid on its threads. So, how to fix? More Christer contortions over the stern with sealant pistol leaving a generous collar around the flange, hopefully to stop the inflow. Time will tell.

Josin and Artic Vibe departed very early next day in the hope of getting the best out of the day, conditions were gentle and we motor-sailed for quite a while. Gradually the clouds appeared, and explosively grew to impressive proportions and darkness. Such CumuloNimbus clouds when developed, generate their own local weather system, with strong downdraughts of varying direction and strength. So it was over the Jær coast, where there is nowhere to hide. It rained and blew and was chillingly cold.
In between the showers, we sailed and were encouraged by beautiful rainbows.


Decision
It was a long day to Skudeneshavn (59 08.9N 005 15.5E) and during the pauses in the more stressful periods of uncomfortable conditions, I came to the conclusion that the combination of possibly, probably similar conditions in the North Sea this un-summery summer, (there is yet another low developing over in the SW atlantic), and my aged stamina were together perhaps a bit too daunting, and I decided to cut out the Shetland plan.
Sad but also glad.

Skudeneshavn, (fantastic building on the way in)

was, as always, calm and sheltered, with only one other sailboat there. Being rather weary and impatiently hungry, we headed for the pizza restaurant in the square. Blank windows. Closed. Bother. On the other side of the square is the hotel, with restaurant, but we were not sartorial, so back to boat and bacon and eggs. Later a knock on the boat and there was Knut, lives nearby with his sailboat tied up outside the back door. Another who’d read Seilmagasinet and was keen to talk about solo sailing. He’ll be off on a long sail soon.

Next morning the wind blew still and we were blown and bourn (strong current) up the fjord to Haugesund, (59 24.7N 005 16.1E) quayside top with all new boarding and tie-up points.
There is an excellent boat things shop there, on the quay, with almost everything, unfortunately not an autopilot for Tone, as hers had finally given up, in spite of my diligent scrutiny of the user guide. The only way of not buying something in a boat thing shop is not to go there I find. Well, I needed another bottle of diesel treatment anyway.

Onward for a few hours to Eltravåg, (59 33.8N 005 17.0E) to be received by Reidun, (friend of a sailing friend), a fast ferry skipper and X-X, (sorry, didn’t write your double name down), in a sudden shower which wetted us all well. A very convivial evening and a good night’s sleep.

Rather late start next morning, waiting for the weather to improve, which it didn’t, and the´ wind to blow in the right direction, which it did. Goal was Strusshamn, (60 24.2N 005 11.5E) near Bergen, and we made good progress until the wind turned north, it started to rain and we motored. For the first time under way, I struggled the cockpit canopy almost in place and could be less wet, but Tone was exposed, and got more wet and cold, so we heaved to and while Josin towed Arctic Vibe very slowly round and round in small circles, Tone got into dry clothes and humour was restored. The rest of the way was tedious and in almost fog, plenty traffic to keep me busy.
Strusshamn at 21:50 was nearly full, but we both squeezed into one wide berth and shut hatches. Dry clothes. Anchor dram. Food. Sleep.
Woke early to find it chilly. The shore power had gone. Out to investigate. Switches all on. Fuse box locked. Lucky that Josin has a powerful inverter to power the kettle. Early morning cuppa saved.

Next day, that must’ve been yesterday, (saturday), after proviantering and dieseling we motored north, wind against still, to Litle Bergen, (60 32.4N 005 14.4E) where Tone skulle hente en genoa sail. Confusion, directions incorrect. Time passed. Found in the end. So we stayed the night there.

Sunday now, today, woke to clear skies and glorious sunshine, no wind and mirrorcalm water. Not so many layers of clothes today. Our little flotilla was on the move before 8 and headed again north. Decided to stop for lunch at Sherjehamn, (60 56.6N 004 57.3E), bit later than planned when we got there, but there was still fish soup. Excellent!
What we had not done, poor seamanship on my part, was to tie up such that if the wind strengthened it would be difficult to leave. It did, a lot, and changed direction so that the harbour jetty didn’t break the waves. Result: We were pinned to the pontoon by wind, over 30 knots in the gusts, and small sharp waves which jumped the fenders up and we bumped pontoon, ouch! Everything which could be used as a fender was employed, but I eventually plucked up courage and called Redningselskap, who help sailors in trouble. I could report no casualties but our boats would be dented or even crushed if the wind and waves didn’t calm a bit. After discussion as to how they could help and availability, (from at least an hour away), we were assured that the wind wasn’t expected to increase, but calm down soon. Well, my optimistic self agreed and the wind is now really on the wane.

One lives and learns! Perchance to sleep?

TiredJohn

Josin’s 2026 cruise, #6

Dry boat!


The old and the new. The place. In place.
And neri a leak afterward. Breeeeeath out!
Experience has shown that the old pump had probably been leaking oil as well, as the basin under the engine has kept completely clean after a good deal of running.
Well, that chapter is now closed. Putter to Breddalsholmen.

Didn’t stay more that one night at Breddalsholmen, as it was too disturbed by wash-waves, so we moved into Kristiansand’s guest harbour, which was better. Rather surprised that fees had increased significantly. Nearly Kr 400,- per night for stay and power, even for the smallest category of boat. Glad we’re in that and not bigger.

Next day I was royally looked after by sailerfriend Svein’s daughter Elisabeth, including a fine sightseeing tour of interested places around K’sand, and under-and-over to Flekkerøy island, a quite different environment to K’sand itself.
Delicious summery meal in the evening and a long chat with rest of the family.

Next day, I had to find sourdough bread before leaving. A long trek to The Odd Bakery, which had no less than five variants.


The loaf was hot, just out of the oven, so had to be carried in airy bag.

Then, in sunshine, but rather contrary breeze, we motored and motorsailed past plan A, Mandal, mostly inside the skerries and islands, to plan B, Farsund, being eager to make up for lost days.
Briefly there met Flemming, on a rather special Danish sailboat. His guests arriving, chat was short, but glad to be back here down south, as up north had been very rainy and cold.

Set off early next morning as weather forecasts were positive for next goal of Egersund, where the guest harbour is right in the middle of the charming town.
It is also an excellent place to have to wait for the weather over the next bit, the Jaer coastline, fully exposed to north sea weather and winds.

Lo!, there was Tone, of leaky boat acquaintance earlier. Also another solo sailor, Christer. Here we are gathered this morning on Josin to discuss weather and route over the next few days, over coffee and (one) biscuit.

Very wet and windy the next few days as North Sea lows compete for space and attention. Difficult for Tone and Christer as they have north Norway as a goal and not too much time. The choice is for later today with lots of rain and too much wind aft, or tomorrow with less rain early on, less wind but abeam instead of aft. Choice later
I’m staying put!
We are going to help Tone to try and find the last source of leakage, probably coming from inaccessible places aft in her Maxi Fenix. Christer will be the contortionist, we will be the holder of tools and murmurs of encouragement. Useful things one can do on a rainy, windy day, aren’t there! Report later.

Alls well

WaitingJohn

Josin’s 2026 blog #3

What to do on a rainy day? Yes, update charts and instruments. Simple, yes? Er, no!

I have a motto, of which some of you already know: “I shall continue sailing until I can’t hoist the mainsail.”.
I now have another, less traumatic, but more frustrating. “I shall continue navigating until I can’t update the Navionic charts”.
I don’t think that Garmin and I understand the same app-language/logic. Each year at about this time, I strive to remember/learn/read/interpretate how to achieve updated status, and start at home with the relatively easy bit; logging on to Garmin world, paying for and downloading updated charts to the Macbook.. Then transfer to boat, couple up to the internet and start the tricky prosess with Garmin’s “Chart installer” app. It involves finding the right menus, in order if you please, feeding a pristine memory card into a miniscule slot, transferring charts to card, removing the card and installing it in the slot in chart plotter, more finger work and if you’re lucky and have done things in the Garmin-and-Raymarine-strict order, then the updated chart appears on the screen.
Suffice it to say that it has taken me from after breakfast to teatime, with regular sustenance of chocolate and coffee and sandwiches to achieve success.
A once-a-year task, exercise for the grey cells, followed by mestring.
Now we can go sailing in navigational safety. (Yes, I still have paper charts on board, but they are not up-to-date. Norway doesn’t move or change very much however).

We took part in the club’s tuesday evening regatta the other day, with Gilbert crewing, hurra, and managed to come fourth out of nine, wow! Solo sailing usually results in last place. Some way to go there.

It is still raining and will be apparently for the next few days, so I think I’ll go back home.

In-marinaJohn.

Josin’s 2025 cruise, #8

From Kyrkeholmen to Dingja

Thursday morning, 3rd july. Still chilly and northerly winds, so muffle up and motor.
Unstable weather brings spectacular and unusual clouds, and there were plenty about

Just keep your distance, I don’t want to get wet!

Plenty of rain under that one

As you see, calm waters in amongst the islands away from the North Sea, so it was relaxing.
In a long, narrow, rather wiggly part, requiring much navigating to avoid the solid bits, it was of course then raining and I was huddled under the spray hood trying to see forward. But, I should have paid more attention aft, as remarkably suddenly I was warned by the sound of powerful engines and one of these high speed catamaran ferries came up from behind at full speed and roared past only a boat’s length away. He didn’t acknowledge my “wave”. Josin and I rolled and rocked madly in its wake and spilled the coffee. Hardly had I relaxed again and was counting my lucky stars when another one, even larger, followed, but this time I’d seen him coming and could steer a bit more out of his way.
Lesson learned: At 20 to 25 knots, (ca 50 km/t), it doesn’t take long between seeing them at a respectable distance and them being upon you, so frequent looks-around are mandatory. Whatever the Rules may say, it is best to let them have Right-of-Way!

Screenshot

The yellow line is our track.
The narrow bits opened up into Fensfjord, and the wind strength and angle were such that we enjoyed over an hour of brisk sailing and engine-silence. After another bout of islands, again open water and we sailed to the goal for the day, Dingja, near the entrance to the Sognefjord, which I hoped would give shelter from the weather over the next couple of days.
This is Denja. It has, amongst other attractions, what is called a “Landhandel”, or local store, selling everything, and I mean everything, in small quantities, except maybe for ice cream and fish hooks. Isolation begets mangfold.


Dingja has given shelter, intermittently. Enough to take pics and hurry to the washing facilities. Had to buy OMO. Last packet. It came in a carton, no best-before date, and quite solid. But still effective when hacked into manageable lumps.

Lunch time, and a splash of sunshine.
Alls well.
ShelteringJohn