Our Arctic Adventure

Like all good ideas, going to Norway by boat started out a pipe dream between friends. Frankly the idea of crossing 250 miles of open sea on a 7.5meter RIB sounded a little bit mad... but I guess if you plan to go 250 miles why not make it 2000 miles and cross the Arctic circle?! There was a brief moment of laughter about this, then we agreed it was too crazy and decided to forgot about it. However by the following week we had looked in to fuel consumptions and whether we could carry sufficient fuel along with 3 people and a months basic supplies. We also chose a new route which would see us leaving Papay going north to Unst in Shetland, then crossing to Trondheim and travelling up the coast towards the Lofoten Islands. The 400miles of open sea will prove to be quite a challenge in itself.  

and so.. Papay to the Arctic Circle was born!

In late 2013 we purchased Quickstep, a Rib with an impressive history.

Quickstep was built by Barry Carson and in October 1999 he successfully held the record for the fastest Dover to Boulogne crossing with her. This as well as her history of long distance cruising and complimentary press reviews was evidence enough to persuade us that Quickstep was a sea worthy Rib. So we set about preparing and planning her next big adventure.

Daniel Elves was diagnosed with cancer in December 2013 and through his strength of character and the support and care he received at the Woolverstone ward at Ipswich hospital he soon too was back on track to play his part in the Arctic Adventure. Through the Woolverstone ward Daniel found a brotherhood and sense of camaraderie that aided his recovery and helped him through his darkest hours. It is because of this we have chosen to raise money through our adventure which will go towards the Woolverstone Wish which is aiming to refurbish the Woolverstone ward providing many more with the care and support that has so evidently helped Daniel.

In theory any boat journey is simple, take a boat from point A to point B, in reality its quite the opposite. Months of planning and action followed by more planning and action is required. For a trip which will last around a month we decided a wheelhouse was a luxury we all wanted, somewhere dry to hide from the elements which also kept all instruments and charts safe was definitely worth it. Paul Griffiths a local boatbuilder (not that he knew it at the time, he is actually a carpenter) had never been asked to build a wheelhouse before, but never a man to turn down a challenge accepted the offer! Im sure after a few days of looking at angles he reconsidered

but as he is possibly as crazy as us, he decided to carry on! I can now say looking at a stunning and solid wheelhouse, he has done a fantastic job, even if some of our demands seemed difficult at the time!

The entire journey will take around a month from leaving Papa Westray to our return. In this time we will live aboard Quickstep, perhaps something more easily accepted by the two Daniels, however Amanda is a little more reluctant to accept that there will be no mirrors, no electric blanket, in fact no real home comforts at all, its a tough life!

We have been fortunate to receive sponsorship from Maritime Transport who have kindly agreed to cover our fuel costs.

As one can imagine the scenery in Norway is stunning and we have been lucky to have been sponsored by Liquid Image Company 3 Ego action  cameras so we can share the experience with you.  

Hugo Montgomery-Swan editor of Powerboat and Rib magazine is going to publish our story and is very supportive of our adventure.

With mid May our predicted launch date and the 1st of July our hoped for leaving date we have lots to keep us busy over the next few weeks. Keep an eye on the blog and we will upload photos and news as it happens.

Papay Arctic Adventure