Preparation

Below is a short list of adaptations to your boat and preparation tips that will make your cruise of Norway more enjoyable.

See the chapters on anchoring and berthing (tying up), electricity, fuel and cooking gas for more preparation tips.

Spare Parts

List of boatyards and boat storage facilities

Though maintenance facilities for sailboats are limited, particularly in the north, there are fishing boat facilities everywhere that can be utilised for repairs with a little bit of ingenuity and if you carry a good selection of spare parts. Due to the cost of parts, shipping and customs, we advise to stock up with the most common spares you might need before leaving for Norway. You might want to consider carrying critical spares you lack the knowledge and/or skills to use. Sometimes finding the skills is easier than getting the spares.

In our experience UK based companies are happy to ship to Norway, whereas Germany based svb24.com (maybe the biggest online marine shop in Europe) for example, will not send items that cost less than 3 000 kr to Norway. Note that orders from outside Norway will have to go through Norwegian customs which is not always a straightforward process.

Here is a list of the largest Norwegian online chandlers:
Martim.no
Seatronic.no
Marineshop.no
Watson.no
Bestmarin.no
Westsystem.no

Reliable Heater

The night, and often the day, can get quite chilly in north Norway, even in summer. At times the night can be chilly even in the south. A reliable diesel heater will make your cruise that much more enjoyable.

Reliable Engine

A reliable engine is a must for north Norway, as steady sailing winds can be very elusive, and when traveling in the sheltered passages and fjords, what wind there is will often be funnelled directly from ahead or astern.

Reliable Autopilot

A reliable autopilot will give you and your crew a break from the elements and from the monotony of steering when it is necessary to travel long days with the engine running.

Redningsselskapet

The Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (NSSR) was founded in 1891 with a goal to save life and property at sea and to offer accident prevention guidelines and courses. The rescue vessel crew also perform other important but less critical tasks such as towing and assistance when in harbour in case of a mechanical breakdown.

Unless you are a member, any towing or other rescue work from Redningsselskapet will be at your cost. Joining after a rescue to avoid paying the towing bill is not an option. Redningsselskapet welcomes non-Norwegian members. You pay membership by SMS so access to smartphone required.

Contact Redningsselskapet at post@rs.no.

To request emergency assistance while in Norway from Redningsselskapet:
VHF channel 16 or mobile phone 120 or 112.
To request non-emergency assistance from Redningsselskapet while in Norway: VHF working channel or phone +47 915 02016.