The dreamy spots we sail to | step 37

We embarked on our journey on a sunny Sunday morning, departing from Stromstad (Sweden) towards Stavern (Norway), a voyage of 32 nautical miles. After an early start and the usual preparations, including a stop at the fuel station, we set course for the open sea. The wind was favorable, allowing us to hoist all sails shortly after departure, and we reveled in a delightful day of sailing along the impressive Norwegian coastline. During our voyage, we passed several other sailboats and enjoyed a lunch of shrimp salad. Our dog Rif seemed to be adapting well to sailing life, thanks to the travel medication we had purchased for him. As evening approached, we decided not to continue to Larvik but instead anchored in the bay in front of Stavern harbor. After anchoring, we savoured a drink and a meal before taking the dinghy ashore to explore the picturesque town. We discovered an old shipyard and barracks that had been partially converted into a hospitality venue and creative centre. In the harbour, we admired a collection of beautifully maintained wooden sloops. The night was somewhat restless due to the swell, but our anchor held firm. We spent most of the following day in and around Stavern, cheering on the Colin Archer racers as they arrived. We took walks on land, visited some galleries, and enjoyed the sun on the aft deck. The subsequent day, we set course for a fjord, anchoring at Nystrand after a 19-mile journey. It was a beautiful location where we could swim and hike in the mountainous forest along the coast. We even spotted a seal on a rock. Our journey continued with short legs along the Norwegian coast, regularly anchoring in idyllic bays and fjords. We enjoyed the tranquility and beautiful nature, but occasionally sought out the liveliness of small coastal towns. One of the highlights was our visit to Kragerø, a town of about 10,000 inhabitants that serves as a hub for the local population and the many owners of summer cottages in the area. We moored at a jetty near the supermarket and explored the vibrant town with its many shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlours. Our voyage then took us to Risør, where we docked in the harbour after an 11-mile journey. We enjoyed the atmosphere in the town, took walks along the coastline, and had pleasant encounters with other sailors and curious children. A special moment was passing a Norwegian submarine in the fjord. Throughout our journey, we occupied ourselves with boat maintenance, planning our next destinations, and enjoying Norwegian coastal life. We adapted to the rhythm of the sea, made new friends, and relished the unique experiences that sailing along the Norwegian coast offered us. Our dog Rif continued to adapt to life on board, although he sometimes found the busier harbours a bit overwhelming. We took his needs into account and ensured regular walks on land. As we sailed from harbour to harbour, we always kept an eye on the weather conditions and available anchorages. We learned about the challenges of navigating between the rocks and islets of the Norwegian coast and appreciated the tranquillity of secluded bays as much as the conviviality of the coastal towns. Our journey was a mix of active sailing days, quiet anchoring days, and land explorations. We enjoyed Norwegian hospitality, the beautiful nature, and the unique experience of sailing in these northern waters. With each mile we covered, our appreciation for the Norwegian coast grew, as did our desire to discover even more.