#88 | Arctic Sailing Adventure: Final Sail to Finnsnes After 2,500 Nautical Miles

Join us aboard Polaris for the final chapter of an unforgettable sailing season in Arctic Norway. In this episode, we cruise from Bjarkøy towards Finnsnes, navigating narrow shallow channels, tidal currents, fishing buoys, low clearance cables and shifting autumn winds along the Norwegian coast. We visit the beautiful island of Bjarkøy, once an important Viking centre, explore the harbour, forage for porcini mushrooms and witness the first Northern Lights of the season — a clear sign that winter is closing in fast. After a long and intense sailing year covering around 2,400–2,500 nautical miles, including adventures to Svalbard, the Norwegian coast, Tromsø and the Lofoten and Senja region, it is time to prepare Polaris for the harsh northern winter. We winterise the engine and generator with glycol, remove solar panels, protect the boat from snow and freezing temperatures, insulate the windows, drain the water system and set up remote monitoring to keep the boat safe through temperatures as low as -20°C. The episode ends with a glimpse of winter life in Arctic Norway, including ski touring, frozen landscapes and remote cabin life — before the next sailing season begins. A sailing documentary for viewers interested in Arctic sailing, Norway travel, liveaboard cruising, boat winterisation, Northern Lights, Svalbard sailing, Norwegian fjords and life aboard a sailing yacht in the far north. #ArcticSailing #sailingnorway #Arcticnorway #BoatLife #SailingDocumentary ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Departure From Sortland 02:32 Visit To Risøyhamn 07:36 Nergårdsvika 08:00 The Final Leg And Review Of The Season 14:15 Winter Preparations 18:07 Epilogue 🎵 Music from Epidemic Sound: Dirty Pulse by Dae Min Joe Hello Nelia by Martin Hall I'll Do It All Over Again by Mindme The Bridge by Gavin Luke 🗺️ Planning Resources: Harbours, Anchorages and Routes: Norwegian Cruising Guide: Volume 3 – Bodø to the Russian Border https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GRK77GYD https://books.apple.com/ch/book/norwegian-cruising-guide/id6760362421?l=en-GB https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=Pk3GEQAAQBAJ 🔗 Link: https://www.norwegiancruisingguide.com 💨 Weather Forecast and Routing: https://www.predictwind.com https://www.savvy-navvy.com 📺 Watch More… https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRvcLZL9-pokLoV22O1OP3p5eR32J-SDD 🚢 Subscribe & Hit the Bell 🔔 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAym9YS0z1-qYm-s47pNEfw?sub_confirmation=1 📍 Follow Our Journey: https://www.instagram.com/sailingpolaris https://www.facebook.com/sailingpolaris https://www.sailingpolaris.uk 🛥️ Ever dreamed of sailing the world? Join us aboard Polaris Helvetica, our beloved Bavaria Cruiser 46, as we explore breathtaking coastlines, hidden gems, and the beauty of life at sea! 🌊 What to Expect: ✔️ Stunning ocean views & epic sunsets ✔️ Off-the-beaten-path destinations ✔️ Sailing tips, challenges & triumphs ✔️ Hiking adventures in remote locations 💬 What’s your dream sailing destination? Tell us in the comments! ⚓ See you on the water—fair winds & following seas!