Passing through the infamous Raftsundet

South Pacific Familyadventure 2008
Claes Brodin
Sun 26 Apr 2020 17:51
Leaving Lofoten heading north,one option is to go through Raftsundet.
Important though is to have proper control on the tide and the currents through the most narrow part of the strait. I enjoyed a northsetting current and Dora Mac passed the most narrow part (trangstraumen) with a speed of 10,1kts over ground.
Passing through this part of Lofoten you will pass some very spectacular fiords with steep mountainwalls. As seen on the pictures winter is still very much present and the snowlayer is much higher than usual putting demands on boat and equipment.
The fishermen up here have told me we just passed the worst winter in at least 30 years. The cost for Dora Mac has been 4 crashed fenders,2 broken mooringlines,canvas for the mainsail ripped to pieces,and the canvas covering the cockpit blown apart. Not knowing what to expect from hibernating Dora Mac in Lofoten though, I was mentally prepared for worse problems.
Bad winter,good summer.....

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