Erik Aanderaavideo
A HARD decision to Make. CHAPTER 7
February 19, 2023 · 27 min · 126K views · Isafjordur
What this video covers
A 46-year-old Contessa 35, Tessie, abandons a third attempt to reach Scoresby Sound, Greenland, from Isafjordur, Iceland, due to late-season weather patterns and the skipper’s health complications.0:47 After sustaining a back injury in a diesel spill and managing flare-ups of ulcerative colitis, the solo sailor decides to turn back toward Norway.1:39 The vessel departs Isafjordur for the 150-nautical-mile passage to the isolated island of Grimsey, located on the Arctic Circle.7:20 During the transit, the skipper tests a Hydrovane self-steering system while flying a gennaker in 12-knot downwind conditions, noting the vane struggles to maintain course in light air.17:08 Upon arrival at Grimsey, the boat moors outside the harbor due to heavy fishing vessel traffic.25:00 The decision to abort the Greenland crossing prioritizes safety over the original goal, with the return voyage planned in stages along the northeast coast of Iceland.25:42
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