Sailing down the North Sea at 45 degrees

3,069 views  |   June 26th, 2017 

North Sea Oil Rig

North Sea Oil Rig

On this the last of our 2017 Norway voyages Challenger 1 says farewell to Norway and sails sails down the North Sea to pass through the Dover Straits and then along the English South Coast to Portsmouth.  As this blog goes the boat is about 70 miles off of Portsmouth.

Day 8

All in all making good progress! The wind is up and down (generally up) and mostly in a good direction keeping us on a good course for the Dover Straights.  Reefs have gone in and out and the Yankee 1 changed for the Yankee 2. The crew are slowly adapting to life at 45 degrees although the girls are still suffering a little seasickness. Ashes stew last night was a masterpiece of extreme 45degree cooking and it also went down well as todays lunch. Suns finally out and still sailing!!

Day 9

All good on Challenger 1. Just run out of wind and tide has turned so the engine has just gone on! Looking at the forecast we might be motoring on and off for the rest of the passage. Another night of Stb watch putting reefs in and port taking them out again, whilst dodging oil rigs and guard boats! Just caught 3 mackerel so we now have starters for our sausage and mash. Crew all happy, no more on green watch!!

Day 10

Had a great sail last night with the wind slowly coming around to give us a fast broad reach (11 Knts at time) but eventually as we approached Dungerness the wind dropped and we’re currently motoring! The suns out and the crew are drying out and enjoying showers. Were also taking the opportunity to do a few jobs pre arrival!

If you would like to sail in the Norwegian Fjords or cross the North Sea then have a look here for more details.

Posted by: First Class Sailing

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