Next Summer

[Bosunof]

I fancy taking the summer across in Norway. Any recommendations for Norwegian yacht clubs and marinas that are a must?

Any Festivals that are worth being a part of?

I fancy getting as far north as I can before coming south for the winter.

 

[burgundyben]

I went to Risor wooden boat festival in 1992 and it was excellent, yacht club at Gressvik very good. I'd recomment Norway in the summer.

 

[Bosunof]

Thanks, they will go into the book for our trip.

 

[Sofus]

Good decision! I am a Norwegian myself (although living in Brittany, France, for most of the year) and I have sailed all along the Norwegian coast both as a former navy officer and as a keen yachtsman. My general advice is to stay away from the yachtclubs. They are nothing like the British clubs with bars etc. You can always find a secluded bay or small island for yourself and when you want to visit a bit of civilization you will find that you are welcome to tie up in the center of every city, even the busiest ones like Stavanger and Bergen. Stay west of Kristansand (the east is quite busy) and do not forget to visit the interesting islands as Utsira and Espevær (at the entrance of the Hardangerfjord). I once crossed from Utsira to Inverness. If you don't fancy long open ocean crossings I recommend visiting Kirkwall and Lerwick where there are decent yachtclubs and the islands are half Norwegian anyway. And speaking about fjords, they are spectacular and you wouldn't get far north if you visit the Ryfylkefjords east of Stavanger, the Hardangerfjord and, of course the Sognefjord. If your goal is to get as far north as possible you will have to follow the outer coastline in between the thousands of islands and maybe you can get as far north as Molde in a months time at family friendly speed. But do visit the fjords and you will never regret it. I envy you! Have fun!

 

[Bosunof]

Thank you Sofus. It is lovely to see such enthusiasm. There may be some bias in you but your comments have been backed up by other comments from other sailors.

Seems very promising