Sunday, Monday. August 14-15.
Just after mid day on Sunday we leave the Orkney’s behind us with a westerly wind 4/5 bft. It is a 28 hour trip to Torshavn.
We estimate to arrive in the capital of the Faeroer in the late afternoon. According Wikipedia the smallest capital in the world. Owing to the westerly wind the ship rolls considerably but it will change in the next hours when the wind will back to SSE.
We spot a large shoal of dolphins, probably pilot-whales, slow and graceful in their movements and showing their large round nose. We enter the night, the wind has shifted so sleeping will be more comfortable. During Peter’s watch he is, again, called on the VHF. A guard vessel sends the superfluous request to report his position concerning a large oil field. We are already circumnavigating that area.
Daybreak on Monday starts with overcast but no rain. The wind: from quarter astern, 5/6 bft. Occasionally with the waves running in from behind our speed increases to 9 kts. In the afternoon the heavy clouds slowly pass away and in the east the first sunlight becomes visible. We observe the first contours of the Faeroer. Steep cliffs rise from the sea, together with sunlit green slopes reaching for the clouds. Occasional white lighthouses on the cliffs, warning and waiting for disaster. The bright sunbeams through the clouds mark the water. A passenger ship approaches, the daily connection to the Danish homeland.
We enter Torshavn. Mooring on the industrial quay, waiting for the Harbour Master.
After some time we decide to pick our own place in the yacht harbour. We take a nice berth close to the small but well equipped service house, the colourful quay houses, terraces and Wi-Fi. Later that evening the Harbour Master visits us. A kind man, who shows lot of interest in our boat and destination. Peter gives him the boat tour.
While enjoying a pint in the local Irish pub we watch, on a large TV, Sanne Wevers nervously waiting for the jury’s verdict. Then she jumps, full of emotion, in the arms of her coach. Gold Olympic Medal in gymnastics!
We are all very happy. This made the day!
Kirkwall-Torshavn 217 NM. Trip time 28 hours.
