The start of a new Norway Voyage – Bergen to Bergen

Bergen Sunset

Day 1 – Bergen to Bergen

Last Saturday a new crew joined Challenger 1 in Bergen for a week of adventuring and exploring the fjords.

1300  10th June

New crew arrived in Bergen to add to those staying on from first leg of Norwegian cruise. The fact that two of the previous crew remained was a good indication of a great sail so far and a good omen for us. After the safety briefing for the newbies we set sail to find a secluded mooring for the night.

As we left the harbour the skies cleared, the sun shone and wind died. None the less by popular demand the sails were raised  and the engine was silenced. After dodging the cruise ships we headed for the outer islands past a few resting oil rigs and fish farms. The scenery ranged from wooded hillsides studded with quaint cottages to barren outcrops of rock, it was all spectacular. Eventually we pulled into a narrow inlet and dropped anchor with a stern line ashore.

Anchored with a line ashore

Several crew members went and explored the island while skipper cooked dinner-much needed and very welcome meal. The forecast tomorrow is to bring some wind and we are all looking forward to venturing further north.

Dave and Chris

Day 2

We left our anchorage by the side of Hjeltefjord around 8am, with the intention of sailing up Hjeltefjord – a protected channel between the outlying islands and the mainland – to Fedje, a small island at the top of the outlying chain where we hoped to enjoy some local colour.

The wind however was the strongest we have yet experienced – a heady 20 knots ! – so we decided to continue on into Sognefjord to explore further before needing to turn back. We can always visit Fedje on the way back…

As we entered the approach to Sognesjoen, the entrance to Sognefjord, the wind picked up and the boat accelerated to 11.1 knots speed – our fastest so far on this trip. We did then go for a sail change down to Yankee 2 as it was becoming a little too lively.

North Sea Sailing

We proceeded up the stunning scenery having dinner on the way to find a quay at a small village called Bjordal, up a small fjord of to the side, with a classic white timber church, under the snow-topped hills.

Dave and Nick

If you would like to sailing in the Norwegian Fjords then we have space on the last of this year’s Norway voyages starting on 17th June in Bergen and finishing in Portsmouth on 28th June. Have a look here for more details.

Posted by: First Class Sailing