Igor Stropnikvideo
Sailing around Nordkapp on Hobie 16 Catamaran
July 12, 2025 · 22 min · 17K views
What this video covers
A solo sailor navigates a 40-year-old Hobie 16 catamaran around Nordkapp, Norway, at 71 degrees north latitude. The transit involves managing unpredictable Arctic wind shifts and strong gusts funneling through mountainous fjords, which require frequent reefing of the mainsail. The sailor utilizes a custom-built pole for a gennaker to maintain speed in light winds and employs a dry suit for thermal protection in near-freezing temperatures. Navigation relies on identifying sheltered beaches for overnight stops, where the boat is hauled onto the sand to avoid damage from rocks and changing tides. The lack of a sunset during the polar day complicates sleep cycles, while the terrain necessitates careful monitoring of katabatic-style gusts that descend from valley gaps. The journey includes a three-day weather delay in a remote anchorage due to unfavorable winds, highlighting the importance of high-quality camping gear for extended shore-based waiting periods.
Boats in this video
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