In episode, we take on the challenge of crossing the notorious North Sea, sailing from Inverness, Scotland to Norway. With an unpredictable weather forecast, we had to choose the best route from three options. Join us, along with our crew members Nina and Markus, as we navigate this exhilarating journey.
Given the unstable weather conditions, we considered three potential routes: Inverness to Ålesund via Lerwick, Inverness to Bergen and Inverness to Stavanger or Haugesund via Peterhead. With a forecast of northwesterly winds, veering north and finally east, which route would you have chosen? Find out our choice and the reasons behind it.
As we set out from Inverness, we navigate through the challenging shallows and strong tidal currents of the Moray Firth. With Markus, an experienced racing skipper, at the helm, and careful navigation, we make our way under the Kessock Bridge and out into the North Sea.
During the first night we got a bit more wind and also waves than expected from the forecast. We did not expect to pull in a second reef… In the pitch black of the night the waves were invisible, maybe better so… unfortunately, this sea state led to a temporary drop out of Nina due to a heavy bout of sea-sickness. But after a good night’s sleep she was back to her strengths at sunrise.
The North Sea presents us with breathtaking sunsets, sunrises and the dramatic sight of oil platforms. As we progress, the wind weakens, and we switch to motoring to maintain our speed and ensure a daylight arrival in Norway before the wind turns against us. The calm and uneventful night leads to a beautiful sunrise, and we sail under engine towards the Norwegian coast.
After 50 hours of sailing and motoring, we make landfall in Norway. The journey doesn’t end here, as we navigate another 20 nautical miles through the stunning Fjords, passing under the impressive bridges into our destination. The fjords present new challenges with winds coming from all directions, but the spectacular scenery makes it all worthwhile.
As we approach our destination, the waterways become busier with large cargo and passenger ships, including the famous Hurtigruten coastal route. We carefully navigate these narrow channels, adhering to the local saying: “Those who sail for pleasure should give way to those who sail for their bread.”
Join us for this unforgettable North Sea crossing, from the planning stages to the final approach into our destination. Subscribe to our channel, hit the like button, and stay tuned for more exciting episodes as we continue our sailing adventures.