Surprises on the way to Reykjavik, 11-12 August

On 11th August, we decided to sail to Reykjavik from Vestmann Islands, despite a no supporting winds forecast. The first surprise during a night shift was to spot on the horizon a red light not indicated on the nautical charts. Getting closer, it became apparent that this was a fire of some sort. 

Night sailing along the Fagradalsfjall volcano

Only then I realised that in Iceland, such fires are erupting volcanoes...

Let's step back to the time we left Vestmann. We leave the harbour and set sails towards the West, through a set of improbable islands. The islands consist of lava expelled by volcanic eruption and later eroded by the sea.

Nesting birds on the cliffs of Ystiklettur. See the hunting cottage?

Bjarnarey Island and its hunting cottage

Pridrangar islands, higher than they are wide

Sixty percent of the Atlantic Puffins are located in Iceland. The Atlantic Puffin has amazing capacities, diving as deep as 60 metres under the sea for fishing by using its wings to swim, and flying up to 80 km/h by flapping its wings up to 400 times per minute. Atlantic puffins are not a protected species in Iceland. They are hunted and their eggs are collected for eating. Roasted puffin is a classical item on Icelandic restaurant menu, and fresh raw puffin heart considered as a delicacy!

Puffin taking-off

Finally, we spot two whales (possibly fin whales) a few hundred metres from us. 

Fin whale (?)

Now, back tp the Fagradalsfjall volcano located 30 km from Reykjavik. It started erupting for the first time ever on 19 March 2021 and remains erupting to date. As we passed closed in the middle of the night, we could clearly see the explosions. 

There are a few impressive videos available:

• Iceland Volcano Eruption - 21.03.2021
• EPIC DRONE CRASH into ICELAND VOLCANO ERUPTION | DJI FPV 4K

Approaching Reykjavik

Moored alongside Gaia, an Amel 50 belonging to François and Valérie's friends