We were honoured to be the first guests on Team Quirk's new toy, the splendid, indomitable and rather large "Quirky". We spent a glorious (mainly) sunny week on the Norwegian fjords starting and ending in Bergen, visiting lush green valleys dripping with moss and streams, sitting on remote decks sipping a quiet beer watching the sun unsuccessfully trying to set and marvelling at the beauty of Norway. Lovely walks and bike rides interspersed with sailing and motoring the edges of the North Sea. Thank you both for an unbelievable experience, your company, wonderful food and unforgetable sights, nights playing bridge (or at least trying) and "sh..head" reminscent of Coudoux.

Mark and Ana

Riley Blog on Quirky  July 26 – Aug 4 2024

In true Riley style it was a last-minute decision by James and Janice to board Quirky and join Chris and Ruth on their maiden voyage around Scandinavia.  To be honest Janice was a bit worried that we were venturing out on the North Sea as she had lived by it for many years in her youth.   James on the other hand is someone who avoids water at all costs – swimming in it, drinking it or playing on it but he was keen to give this a go.  So we booked our one way tickets to Bergen, not quite sure how long El Capitain would put up with us.  Upon arrival in Bergen, we were more than impressed by Chris’s latest asset and the boat was pretty fine too!  Despite being told to bring a soft bag (no suitcases on board) I found the perfect storage spot in the LH stern berth. So if your bag complies with Ryan Air hand luggage requirements it will stow nicely away on Quirky too.  The washing machine and coffee machine (aptly named Clarissa) made the place feel like home. However, there were knots to learn, fenders to be positioned and sheets (ropes) to be coiled up in a particular way.  Chris demonstrated enormous patience as we fumbled our way in and out of various moorings each one as picturesque as the next.

The first night we moored up alongside two Swedes in the tiny island of Rovaer just off the west coast of Norway. Demonstrating our correct boating etiquette, we invited them on board for a drink and found out that one of them was a tailor for the Swedish Opera and made mens tights for the ballet.  Next day we went further south to the island of Adnoy, which had no roads and a sprinkling of holiday homes belonging to rich Norwegians from Stavanger.  There was a beautiful, sheltered bay that we could anchor in. Wanting to explore this lovely place Chris got the tender out so we could go ashore. We were mightily impressed with the way it slid out from under the stern, and even more impressed by the speed an agility captain Quirky demonstrated when Little Quirky came loose from the stern as we were sipping our G&T’s.  Stripped to the waist he dived in to rescue it as it drifted down the bay with Ruth enquiring “did you remember the keys darling?”  Luckily the oar was in it and he brought it safely back to the mother ship.

Next morning we headed off up the majestic Lysefjord to the port at the end called Lysebotn. On our way back down the fjord the next morning we tried to moor up at Florli which had the longest wooden staircase in the world with 4,444 steps to climb.  Unfortunately, the only place suitable for Quirky was the spot that the ferry stopped at so we left the steps behind and carried on to the mouth of the fjord to stock up on provisions at a small mooring called Forsand. The owner of the supermarket (Joker) wore many hats.  He guided us into port, filled shelves, operated the checkout and even got James a plastic bottle of red wine from his private stash.  We headed to Amoy for the night and continued to attempt to view the channel 9 version of the Olympic games to no avail.  Despite many attempts with various sims, vpn’s, etc it was not to be.

Early mornings and short showers (not something James is accustomed to) were the start to most days and this day was no exception as we set off on our epic 16 hour journey to Kristiansand. The wind was behind us most of the way making it impossible to get the sails out for a lot of the time. The sun had set and it was almost dark as we berthed at the marina. We were delighted to awake to a sunny 22 degrees the next day and took a walk into town for breakfast.  James and I took the folding bikes out in the afternoon and cycled around the port of Kristiansand – another lovely Norwegian town.

Next day we headed off again to the tip of Denmark, weather was beautiful but not enough wind to sail very much. In fact it was eerily still as Norway disappeared on the horizon and we could not see land for several hours. Passed the time playing bingo designed and made by Ruth.  We berthed in Skagen for the night and went to one of the many restaurants that the marina had to offer.  

On our final day we sailed over to Gothenberg where we had our last night on board Quirky. A storm was brewing as we left the next morning – not least of all because Chris could not get the stern door to close up…! Ruth to the rescue as she noticed that the power was not on!   What a great experience and one we will remember for a lifetime. Thank you both for such a memorable time. Looking forward to the invite for more laughs and knots next year.

Despite a delayed start due to the efforts of force Lilian (and a missing captain to fly the plane), we arrived in Copenhagen, met with Martyn and Sarah and after a short taxi ride we were at the boat.

First impressions – I suppose it’s OK and will be suitable for our requirements – blimey what a thing!

 We spent a lovely evening in Copenhagen, sampling the street food and enjoying the local beer.

 Saturday morning we set sail for Ven, a small island about two hours sail from Copenhagen. Weather was lovely and Chris was very generous (and patient) with sharing the steering (or is it called driving) of the boat.

Ven is a lovely little island, more like a nature reserve, which we discovered on our afternoon route march, with a stop at a local whisky distillery to ease the pain!

 Post walk hydro therapy provided courtesy of a brace dip into the sea. As one of the locals said to me “stop moaning about it and discover your inner Viking!”

Dinner at the local Tapas bar followed by drinks and cards on the boat. Martyn remains the reigning ‘Shithead’ champion.

In the morning I completed my first ever triathlon, thanks Chris, then it was time to set sail.

 We aimed for another island called Flakfortets, an old naval posting. We arrived without much time to spare before having to head back to the airport so popped in/ out of the marina (skilfully done Chris) then headed back to the mainland.

All that was left to do was to refuel the boat and for the sisters to say their teary goodbyes.

 And so here we are in the airport lounge, nursing aching muscles, writing a Blog and capturing memories of a super weekend.

Good luck with the next leg of your adventure Ruth & Chris, thanks again xx