A Day in Nuuk

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Tue 8 Jul 2008 00:24
Monday, July 07, 2008, 15.30
Alongside Nuuk, Greenland

Another North West Passager, a French boat the Baloum Gwen (White Whale),
skipper Thierry Fabing and a crew of six, joined me yesterday berthing
outboard of Sylph in the afternoon. Then we both had to move berths,
apparently Thierry had arrived a few hours after me and since his arrival he
has had to move his boat three times. Nuuk (I have worked out it is
pronounced Nuke), is a working port with limited wharf space for the
numerous small boats that operate from it, plus a bunch of fishing boats
which have clearly been out of commission for many years. The Royal
Cruising Club guide to the area recommends against anchoring in the harbour
due to the debris that has accumulated on the bottom over the years so we
make do with the only area where small vessels can secure.
It was very pleasant to have company and I have enjoyed witnessing the
boisterous antics of the young, mostly French crew, as usual an interesting
collection of people willing to take time out from regular jobs and
undertake such an adventure. The Baloum Gwen had come across the North
Atlantic from France. They had a few engine problems along the way and
Thierry is hoping to receive some engine parts this afternoon. But he is
also desirous of getting north, so if they do not arrive on this afternoon's
flight he will be getting underway regardless.
Bon Voyage Baloum Gwen and good luck with the NW Passage.
I eventually managed to find the Harbour Master's office this morning, where
I enjoyed a pleasant conversation and coffee with the Harbour Master,
'Dutchy' who has now organized for Customs to come down to Sylph tomorrow
morning to clear me in. Today they have been busy with two cruise ships
that had just arrived.
This afternoon I have been busy working on the wind vane, retightening the
connections to the hull. The last few days in our approach to Greenland I
had heard a clicking noise coming from aft and my investigations revealed a
slightly loose bracket. I did my best to tighten it while underway but was
less than satisfied with the result. The wind vane an essential piece of
equipment, especially for a single hander; it works hard 24 hours a day at
sea continually keeping the boat on course so it naturally suffers a bit of
wear and tear over the years.
I expect to spend a couple of more days here in Nuuk, getting a few supplies
and completing the regular boat chores. From here I think I will explore
the fjord behind Nuuk where the Erik the Red and his followers set up the
Western Settlement a millennia ago.

Bob Cat:

When the heater is not on I have been spending most of my time in my study,
this way I avoid any rude interruptions to my work if aliens visit. I am
not sure on balance whether I prefer being at sea.
This mouse down the back is trying to tell me something. What does "squeak,
squeak, squeak" mean? I am sure it is something to do with books.