Summer 2011. Sailing back home 6. From Egersund, Norway to Peterhead, Scotland

Another North Sea crossing, almost 52 hours at sea and this time I was able to do a pleasent night watch.

We left Egersund last saturday morning with southerly winds when we saw the suitable weather forecast for the next few days, otherwise we would be staying in Norway for the winter as more depressions were coming.

First hour was through Nordesundet, a narrow channel, where we enjoyed a lovely typical Norwegian scenery.

Then went out into North Sea in strong, near gale force winds for the next 24 hours , then wind died and we had to motor rest of the way to Peterhead.

Oil platform in the North Sea

Approaching Peterhead, Scotland

Dinghy sailing in Peterhead marina

Summer 2011 4. From Shetland to Norway Crossing the North Sea

June 23rd, Thursday, we left Shetland at 01:45 (am.) when the wind changed to north. After the first couple of hours of sailing under full sails, wind picked up to Force 5 - 6 and we had to cross the North Sea mostly under two reefed main sail and staysail, with a little bit of jib out. I must say I could only enjoy seeing some lights on the oil platforms in the night, otherwise, it was not a very pleasent feeling to be at the North Sea. We reached Haugesund, Norway on Friday evening at 9 pm. and sailed the last couple of miles slowly under staysail finding our way amongst the rocks and skerries .

track through the oil fields

entry to Haugesund from North Sea

 

Sean was attracted to a boat he saw, one of the original Colin Archer sailing lifeboats and could not wait to moor next to it.










Once we had our Shengen entry stamps , we took our yellow flag down and after some rest , we started to head south.