Orkney Islands-Faroe

30 hours sailing or when does the oil rig leave?

The first few nautical miles in the shelter of the Orkney Islands were beautiful and we would have liked to see more, but weather windows must be used up here as soon as they present themselves.

Once again, we carefully considered the best way to sail out against the current and once again it was not optimal.

We wanted to go northwest and the waves here mostly come from the west. So diagonally head-on. If you wait until the current comes with the wind from the west, you have wind and current against you. So you don't make any progress.

We decided to go with the current and against the waves. So exactly the opposite of the approach.

The result was only marginally better.

Sailors call it riding the washing machine. But it's amazing how quickly you get used to everything and our dear Starlight always does her best, keeps us dry and can maneuver through the worst breakers.

In the first few hours and throughout the night, we alternated every two hours, as the waves remained very long and very irregular.

Deep down, I had hoped for beautiful long Atlantic waves. But it was more like the Atlantic below with a short Baltic Sea on top. Blah!

It got later - and also darker - and on my next watch, there was an oil rig, a supply vessel, and several scattered fishermen on the port side (left). I was cruising along and on the starboard side (right), there appeared something brighter. According to AIS (Automatic Identification System) on the plotter, it was something that was traveling towards the oil rig at a speed of 1.3 knots. So, since I am super cautious, I headed towards its stern to let it pass. Nothing happened. I got closer - when I say closer, I mean nautical miles away - and the stupid thing didn't move forward. Until I saw the flame. Then I calmly maneuvered around it from the front.

And now here's a digression for all sailors: Of course, we always use a paper nautical chart in addition, on which you could read everything.

Then on my next watch, there was a temporary high with dolphins and pilot whales, but when we were off the Faroe Islands, I had had enough.

They were supposed to be beautiful and tall islands.

But they often have fog. Just like when we arrived. So another 50 nautical miles in pea soup and of course the wind also disappeared. Puttering around for 50 nautical miles, steering ourselves, without anything for the eyes.

Yes yes, I already know: How lucky I am!