Off to discover the North Atlantic in 2022, the sailboat Arthur and her crew had turned back to Scotland in the autumn to winter in France . While the children went back to school on All Saints' Day, the parents prepared for the new departure. So much so that by the first days of March, Arthur was back in the salt water beneath his hull, ready to set off north again.
A new start for Arthur
After leaving France, Arthur passed through the Isles of Scilly, Wales and the Isle of Man, arriving in Scotland in early May. A week later, the sailboat reaches the north of the Outer Hebrides, passing the northernmost point reached in 2022. The wait for a favorable weather window to cross to the Faroe Islands begins.
However, as the days went by, the weather did not allow us to sail in sufficiently good conditions. We move further east, towards the north of Scotland, then the Orkney Islands, all the while keeping an eye on the gribs.
En route to the Faroe Islands
Finally, on June 1st, after a three-week wait, we left Stromness and headed for Suduroy, the southernmost island of the Faroe archipelago. It takes us two nights at sea to reach the small port of Vagur. Here, bright sunshine greets us in a splendid setting.
The Faroe Islands are particularly impressive. They are veritable mountains dropping sheer into the sea, with immense cliffs. Some islands are veritable mazes of lochs and canals. Currents are particularly complex, and winds are very much counteracted by the relief.
Demanding sailing
To get from one port to another or to reach an anchorage, you need to calculate your navigation carefully, taking all these parameters into account. Fortunately, the islands have a large number of small fishing harbours where it's a pleasure to stop. When the weather's right, some anchorages are well worth a visit.
A natural paradise
The Faroe Islands are also a paradise for birds. They nest in the steep cliffs and enjoy a highly protected natural environment. Numerous mountain hikes offer spectacular views if the fog isn't in the way.
A multitude of pleasant ports of call
As we headed northwest up the archipelago, the weather was exceptionally fine, with very moderate to light winds - ideal conditions for enjoying the islands. In terms of ports of call, Tvoroyri and its little wooden quay were particularly appealing. On the island of Sandoy, the Husavik anchorage and its beautiful beach of soft sand were magnificent.
The town of Fuglafjordur, on the island of Eysturoy, offers many amenities, but its harbor is quite busy. Nevertheless, it is possible to anchor in front of the beach. North of the island of Streymoy, the anchorage of Tjornuvik offers breathtaking views and sea caves to explore.
Onwards to Iceland
Finally, the port of Eidi, north of Eysturoy, is a good starting point for crossing over to Iceland. This time, we don't have to wait long, as the day after our arrival, the weather allows us to head north.
