ArcticStern Ocean Sailingvideo

The Arctic Circle by Sail - How We Survived the Polar Fjords

15 March 2026 · 28 min · 956 views · Norvège

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Lifesong navigates the Norwegian coast toward Bodø, crossing the Arctic Circle at 66°33'N during February and March.23:06 Facing temperatures as low as -18°C, the crew manages frozen decks, iced-over lines, and gear that requires boiling water to thaw.3:03 Navigation through the fjords involves frequent snowstorms, hail, and thick fog, necessitating constant watch-keeping despite the use of an autopilot.2:19 At the anchorage of Vagaya, the crew employs a "Patagonian mooring," securing the bow to an anchor and running stern lines directly to rocks on shore to compensate for the narrow space.4:55 Departing from such a mooring requires careful coordination to prevent the vessel from drifting or fouling the propeller with lines.9:47 The voyage, which began in Roscoff, France, concludes at Bodø at 67°N.26:15 The expedition demonstrates that winter sailing in high latitudes requires significant extra time for routine maneuvers and constant vigilance against extreme cold.

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