Erik Aanderaavideo

Crossing the North Sea Alone- Wintertime. Challenge completed! Pt 1.

February 12, 2017 · 23 min · 736K views · North Sea

What this video covers

Erik Aanderaa sails his Contessa 35, Tessie, solo across the North Sea from Haugesund, Norway, to Lerwick, Shetland, in late January.2:12 The passage covers approximately 200 nautical miles during winter conditions, with wind speeds reaching 34 knots and wave heights between 4 and 6 meters.7:42 Aanderaa maintains a heading of 270 to 295 degrees, relying on an autopilot to manage the boat in beam seas while he hand-steers during periods of high wave activity.6:02 Throughout the transit, the boat experiences significant water ingress and an oil spill from a leaking container in the cabin, which creates slippery floor conditions.16:13 Upon arrival in Shetland, Aanderaa and his colleague Sigurd Utbjørg, who sailed a Luffe 44 named Amelia, decide to leave their vessels in a local harbor for two months due to persistent unfavorable winds and work commitments.21:52 The passage confirms that a well-tuned autopilot can maintain a more consistent course than a fatigued singlehanded sailor in heavy, following seas.9:52

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Boats in this video

Contessa 35Their boat

More from Erik Aanderaa

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