If you told me before we set sail that I could have too much sun and heat, I would have called you crazy.  Well, apparently I am crazy!  After sweating for a year and half sailing around the Caribbean, I can now say that any sensible person would eventually crave some milder and moderate temperatures, go figure. 

Craving non-sweaty, stick-free climates and new lands to discover, we set our eyes on the Northeast which pointed us towards Ireland and the United Kingdom. I guess I should also mention Wales since I had no idea that was its own country within the UK. During our time back in the Caribbean, we knew there was going to be a lot to take into consideration heading North but fast forward a few months and a transatlantic later, we’re now in Ireland discovering all kinds of new places that we didn’t know existed and even more within our potential reach. This is what led us to our unexpected adventure to the Faroe islands and WOW! The islands within this self-governing nation of the Kingdom of Denmark looked way too majestic to pass up, especially being relatively close by. With wind direction and wind strength in our favour, we decided get to the Faroes as quickly as we could.

Luckily, when cruising through Scotland, we learned valuable lessons about tides and currents (mentioned in our last month’s blog) that we incorporated into our passage planning for the Faroes.

We thought Scotland had serious currents…they weren’t anything compared to the dangers of the North Atlantic swell that can effect the currents in and around the Faroe Islands. Feeling confident and overly excited to sail to a place very few ever get to experience, let alone on their own vessel, we planned our passage North.

Only a two and half day sail from the furthest North West isle in Scotland, it was a very manageable sail for short handed sailing. I encourage anyone who reads this who sails around Scotland or the UK, to go for it! You will not be disappointed. Upon your arrival, you are rewarded by epic beauty of volcanic mountains that shoot straight out of the North Atlantic sea. You’ll also feel quite a sense of accomplishment despite the passage only being 200 nautical miles.  Arrival in the Faroe Islands feels like you have sailed to a whole new world; not to mention taking on the North Sea is a pretty monumental feeling.  

There are fantastic safe anchorages and even free marinas to seek shelter all over the islands. You will also be greeted by some of the friendliest people. Having sailed the same routes of their great Viking ancestors, I felt a sense of accomplishment and almost respect from the residents who greeted us as foreign travellers. It could just be me, but I felt more accepted by the locals having known I sailed there versus having taken a flight over. 

The videos we shared over on our YouTube channel showcasing the memories made and adventures we experienced in the Faroe Islands are some of our favourite episodes to date.  I can assure you they’re worth binging!  From incredibly stunning fjords, out of this world views and the most welcoming locals showing us the best of times, I can assure the Faroe Islands will be added to your bucket list, if they’re not on it already. 

Fair winds and calm seas fellow sailors! 

Travis – Saiing Jibsea

If you want to follow along visually, then head on over to the links below! 

Youtube: www.youtube.com/sailingjibsea

Instagram: @sailingjibsea

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sailingjibsea

Patreon: www.patreon.com/jibsea