SV Kiviuq

We are now in Husavik on the north coast of Iceland having departed Seydisfjordur on the east coast on Sunday 23rd at 1500hrs. We berthed on the main fish quay in Husavik at 2115hrs last evening (24th) having logged about 190 (nautical) miles on the passage. After making our way up the NE coast and rounding Langanes on the NE tip of Iceland Kiviuq sailed north of the Arctic Circle for a while before gybing to sail west along the north coast. Although we left Langanes only 8 cables or so to port at about 0345hrs, the poor visibility at the time kept the headland and light hidden from us. The poor visibility persisted in the Arctic but later in the day the sun gradually made its presence felt and it turned quite warm for the sail westwards with good visibility. Even the wind began to feel warm. The winds from abaft the beam varied between about 8 knots and 28 knots, so there was occasional action required taking in the first reef and shaking it out again, although that is proving to be a quick and simple process. During the sail westwards we sighted pilot whales and a large pod of not particularly common, common dolphins, some of whom played around the boat for a while. In the evening as we approached Husavik down Skjalfandi Bay with a very big, bright sun low over the snow-capped mountains in the WNW it got warmer and warmer. Consequently after tying up to the quay we were able to enjoy soup, oatcakes and cheese in the cockpit in the gradually fading light. Today we plan to explore the small but prosperous town of Husavik and look at opportunities for an excursion inland.