Imagine a triangle with its corners at the southern tip of Norway, Gøteborg (Gothenburg)
and Oslo. The area inside this triangle is a body of water called Skagerrak, which
has different countries on all of its three sides. Although the spoken languages
are similar, the landscape varies greatly from the tall peaks of Norway, to the more
moderate hills of Sweden, to the flat exposed beaches of Denmark. A one week charter
can easily include all three countries.
The whole area is teeming with activity in the summer months, when the population
is busy recuperating from a cold and dark winter season. With the best weather
statistics in Scandinavia, this region acts as a magnet on all types of vessels,
motoring, fishing, sailing or racing. No matter where in the Skagerrak area you
are you will have hundreds of different possible destinations to choose from every
day!
The northernmost 60 nautical miles of this imaginary triangle is known as the
Oslofjord. Several places, this cul-de-sac ending in the Norwegian capital is less
than half a mile wide. The fjord's namesake, Oslo, is situated in the northern corner with the ocean
on one side and deep forests on the other. Not many of the world's capital cities can offer its
citizens such a beautiful, not to mention peaceful setting.
SØRLANDET (the southern land)
Along Norway's idyllic southeastern coast the sailing is as laid back as it gets
in the land of the Vikings. Almost without exception, the stretch from Mandal (the southernmost
tip of the Norwegian coast) to the Swedish border is lined with islands, providing lee and inshore
passageways. You can choose to sail offshore or weave your way right through this fascinating maze.
Harbors and anchorages literally everywhere are prone to cause a daily decision dilemma. Negligible
tides and a dominating sea/land breeze are other contributing factors towards a
predictable and pleasant trip.
The Norway Post - recent article about "The Coolest Riviera"
VÄSTKUSTEN
The area between Gøteborg (Sweden's second largest city) and the mouth of the Oslofjord
usually offers great sailing in the summer months. Southwesterly onshore or
northeasterly offshore winds are the most usual conditions. The Swedes have shown foresight
and kept their developed areas well defined, with large expanses of near
virgin nature in between. Here again you will find countless anchorages where you can hide from
the crowd, but also many picturesque towns with well developed harbors where there is always
room for yet another yacht. The numerous islands,
inlets, channels and canals make this a very diverse and fascinating area.
SKAGEN
This is a bustling town perched just below the northern tip of Denmark. Besides being the country's largest
fishing port, the harbor has an excellent marina with many restaurants serving local fish
specialties and beer at outdoor tables. The area is known for its yellow houses, many artists
and large migrating sand dunes. The Danes are extremely friendly and love
to play host. The combination of this unique air of hospitality and Skagen's location in
the middle of the "ocean" between the Norwegian and the Swedish coasts, goes a long way to
explain why the harbor is filled to capacity all summer.
SKAGERRAK
