Sailing Polarisvideo

#64 | Sailing Arctic Norway: A Trash Departure, Stiff Winds And Discovering Our Winter Harbour

7 December 2024 · 15 min · 5K views · Harstad

What this video covers

Polaris, a cruising sailboat, navigates the coastal waters of northern Norway during a period of unstable weather. Departing a small, exposed harbor, the crew encounters 36-knot gusts while transiting Kvernsundet, a narrow passage where the Norwegian Hydrographic Service warns of funneling winds.4:18 After reaching Harstad, the crew explores the historic Trondenes Church and the nearby Trondenes Fort, which houses the Adolf Gun, a 40.6 cm land-based artillery piece.8:35 The vessel later transits to Engenes, utilizing an industrial pontoon while the visitor harbor undergoes construction.10:10 During a final 28-nautical-mile passage to Finnsness, the crew experiments with goose-winging the mainsail and Genoa in light following winds before securing the boat for a six-month winter stay.10:39 The harbor at Finnsness provides significant protection from swell and wind due to its surrounding mountains and large breakwater.13:15 Consulting pilot books and weather apps like Windy is essential for identifying wind-funneling hazards in narrow Norwegian fjords.4:12

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More from Sailing Polaris

A New Way to Navigate? Installing Orca on Our Sailboat | Ep. 97Sept 2026We Couldn’t Leave This Arctic Island – Sailing Norway’s Træna Archipelago | Ep. 96Sept 2026How a Tiny Norwegian Island Celebrates Norway’s Biggest Day – Bolga | Ep. 95Aug 2026We Found Norway’s Hidden Harbour (After Our Original Plan Failed) | Ep. 94Aug 2026

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