At Greenland coast

2013.06.17



Ice conditions around Cape Farewell is largely controlled by the East Greenland Current, which transports large amounts of sea ice and icebergs south along the east coast of Greenland towards Cape Farewell.

Winds from the northern direction can increase speed ​​of the ice pack moving south. Then the ice would drift around Cape Farewell, helped by a strong east wind occasionally, and then it would be taken by the West Greenland Current and transported further North along the west coast. 

These ice circumstances occurred in the first half of June this year and forced the crew of Nashachata II crew to revise the planned route. Large amounts of ice completely blocked the entrance to Prins Christian Sund. After four days of sailing from Reykjavik they reached Cape Farewell, and on June 17th sailed around a large field of ice formed south of Greenland. Ice field is approximately 100Nm long and reaches above the 60 north latitude. Entrance to Qaqortoq is possible only from the NW, Nashachata II has appox an extra 100 Nm to sail against wind. 

Yesterday we spoke with the captain.  Everyone healthy, the yacht also OK. 

We placed some pictures illustrating the development of the ice in the gallery.