Rob, crew 4th Leg Atlantic Crossing, from Qaqortoq (Julianehavn), Greenland
Sitting here in Qaqortoq (Julianehavn), I’ve been reflecting on the first week of this trip. It has been a wonderful experience so far, easily exceeding my expectations, and although I don’t expect the next two/three weeks to be as varied in terms of nature and wild scenery, I am sure it will be full of drama and excitement.
When I first heard about Northabout back in the spring, I knew I wanted to play a part in the expedition, however small, for the sailing and for the Arctic climate cause. Seeing Frances’ and Marius’ drone video of Svalbard on DHA’s laptop in the cafe of the SS Gt Britain, with Northabout sitting on the pontoon through the window just heightened the desire. I had hoped to play a part getting the boat to and from fitting out in Sharpness, but severed a tendon in my thumb, so was only able to watch from docks and marinas, and take photos from the banks of the Severn.
The other problem was that my wife Jan does not like me taking long trips away, and six weeks at the end of 2014 sailing the Atlantic from the Canaries to St Lucia via the Cape Verde islands was supposed to be my swansong.
However, I tracked the boat with my three Thornbury SC friends on board as she sailed to Murmansk, read Ben’s blogs, and when DHA asked me if I’d do the last leg back from Nuuk to Bristol, I knew I had to work on Jan till she gave in. It took a long time, but eventually she cracked, and I told DHA I was in. He asked me if I would skipper the last leg, but that would have been a step to far. Three others were found to make a crew of five including Ben, and Ben’s father Steve agreed to help us get to know the boat on the leg from Nuuk to here.
I wish I could have done the whole circumnavigation, but one leg is a great adventure. Seeing Greenland and its people is very special. I would love to come back.
The photo is of Qaqortoq harbour with Northabout visible.
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Don’t worry Rob, Jan is coping! We’re following the trip with interest and looking forward to hearing all about it when you return and seeing the photos. Glad it’s living up to your expectations.