Erik Aanderaavideo
Crossing the North Sea- with Silje!
26 September 2025 · 33 min · 143K views · Aberdour
What this video covers
A 430-nautical-mile passage from Scotland to Norway begins with a coastal transit from Lindisfarne to Aberdour, followed by a 250-nautical-mile North Sea crossing aboard the sailboat Tessie.0:20 After provisioning in Eyemouth and passing St. Ab’s Head and Bass Rock, the crew reaches Aberdour to collect Silje for the offshore leg.5:37 The transit to Peterhead serves as a shakedown cruise to familiarize the new crew with downwind sailing and VHF radio protocols.9:15 During the subsequent crossing to Haugesund, the crew encounters 17–18 knot winds, necessitating a transition from gennaker to genoa for safety.19:50 The passage involves navigating around oil platforms and responding to course-correction requests from a guard vessel, Reaper.24:58 Despite encountering fog and rain upon arrival, the vessel completes the journey without incident.30:50 The experience demonstrates that clear communication and defined roles, particularly regarding sail handling and watch-keeping, are essential for integrating inexperienced crew into offshore passages.
More from Erik Aanderaa
From Erik Aanderaa — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.