Join us for an exciting sailing adventure as we leave the rugged island of Gaukværøya after a challenging night at anchorage. With a refreshing sail up the scenic Sortlandsundet, we reach the modern municipal harbor of Sortland for a restful night.
The next day, we navigate the narrow Risøyrenna, connecting Sortlandsund with Andfjorden, and set our course for the remote island of Meløyvær.
Along the way, we reel in our dinner in just over a minute!
Our adventure peaks with a visit to the legendary Puben på Meløyvær, a notorious watering hole where we enjoy an evening of music, camaraderie, and the magical midnight sun.
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Month: November 2024
62 | Sailing Arctic Norway: Nusfjord, Reine, Gaukværøya & An Epic Orca Encounter!
Join us on a thrilling Arctic sailing adventure as we encounter orcas and explore hidden gems of the Lofoten Islands!
This episode is packed with unforgettable moments:
Sailing the Lofoten Islands: Navigate the narrow Gimsøystraumen passage where timing of tides and weather is key.
Orca Encounter: Witness an epic meeting with a small pod of majestic orcas, the largest apex predators of the ocean!
Hiking Reinebringen: Scale the heights for jaw-dropping views of Reine, one of the Lofoten’s most iconic spots.
Exploration: Discover the secrets of the remote and exposed island of Gaukværøya.
Along the way, we face the challenges of unpredictable Arctic weather, tricky tidal navigation, and the search for safe harbours – but it’s all worth it for the stunning rewards!
#61 | Sailing Arctic Norway: Lofoten Adventure from Svolvær to Stamsund + A Close Call at Sea!
High winds, stunning landscapes, and a near-disastrous close call with an electric power line – our adventure through Lofoten had it all.
We embark on a hike to Djevelporten, one of Lofoten’s most famous viewpoints. The climb to the top is no walk in the park—at 430 meters, it’s a tough ascent, and the path, known as Djeveltrappa (the Devil’s Staircase), is a series of steep stone steps built by Sherpas.
Once the winds die down, we cast off from Svolvær and head toward Henningsvær. The seas are still a bit choppy, with a high swell making the sail somewhat challenging. Despite the rough conditions, there’s something magical about navigating these waters—each passing wave reveals another stunning vista of the Lofoten archipelago, its sharp peaks rising dramatically from the ocean.
As we arrive in Henningsvær, the village’s colorful houses and vibrant art scene greet us. The town is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” for its picturesque setting, with buildings perched on small islands connected by bridges. We wander through the many art shops, each one offering a different slice of Lofoten’s creative spirit. The town is small, but its charm is undeniable. And then there’s the famous Henningsvær Football Field, which has become an Instagram sensation.
After the winds calm down, we finally set sail towards Henningsvær, a charming fishing village known for its picturesque streets, vibrant art scene, and unique football pitch surrounded by water. The village is a paradise for photographers, with its stunning scenery, colorful buildings, and the famous Henningsvær lighthouse. We soak in the beauty of the village, explore local galleries, and enjoy the local culture.
On the way to our next destination, we decide to try our hand at fishing in the waters around Lofoten. The sea is calm and blue, and almost instantly, we get a bite. Noah reels in a cod, and Cynthia pulls up a healthy saithe. The thrill of the catch is worth the wait.
Later, we enjoy a delicious dinner made from our fresh catch. Kathrin works her magic in the galley, preparing a mouthwatering miso-glazed cod and saithe that tastes like the sea itself—fresh, rich, and brimming with flavour. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day of adventure on the water.
Our next stop is Stamsund, a former whaling harbour that has become a peaceful, and well protected haven. With another storm on the way, we know we need a safe place to wait out the weather, and Stamsund seems perfect. Located near the airport in Leknes, it’s the ideal spot for Noah and Cynthia to catch their flight back home.
But our journey almost takes a dramatic turn. As we approach the harbour, we notice something unexpected—an electric power line stretching dangerously low across the water. It’s charted with the wrong clearance, and once the penny drops, for a moment, I’m frozen. The last thing we need is to get tangled in that line and potentially electrocuted. With seconds to spare, I make a sharp turn, narrowly avoiding what could have been a catastrophic collision.