W
hen I was recently invited to spend a few days exploring
Norway on board the 43m superyacht Daydream, my
confirmation was almost instant. Located on similar
latitudes to Iceland, much of it even further north,
Norway has a reputation for spectacular scenery and adventure.
During the flight, I read up and discover some impressive facts.
The Human Development Index, published regularly by the United
Nations, classifies Norway as the world’s most developed country.
According to the Democracy Index of British magazine The Economist,
the Scandinavian state is the most democratic and its GPD per capita
ranks third globally.
Norway only has a population of 5.3 million, but is one of Europe’s
largest countries in terms of area and has an enormous coastline due
to its enormous number of islands. It’s
frequently listed third globally among
countries with the most islands,
behind Scandinavian neighbours
Sweden and Finland.
As such, it’s an ideal place to
explore by yacht, even if charter
activity in this area is still in its
infancy. There are just a handful of
megayachts here each summer, as well
as newly built yachts from German
and Dutch shipyards whose maiden
voyages often take place in Norway.
As our plane descends over the
breathtaking Norwegian landscape,
rugged rock faces tower above gently rolling hills, fringed by crisp
green meadows. The glassy swathes of deep blue fjord water are dotted
with an occasional boat, while on the horizon, snow-topped mountains
complete the picturesque backdrop.
Such remarkable geography helps explain why this country
has produced renowned explorers such as Roald Amundsen, the
first person to reach both the South Pole and North Pole, and Thor
Heyerdahl, famous for his Kon-Tiki voyage of 1947 in which he sailedmore than 8,000km across the Pacific in a wooden raft.
As we finally land, it’s a surprisingly pleasant 18 degrees Celsius,
warmer than anticipated, and the real adventure begins.ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
Arriving on board the Christensen-built Daydream, myself and
my fellow guests receive a warm welcome from Captain Damion and
his seven-strong professional crew. Handed warm, scented towels to
refresh us after our travels, we then enjoy champagne and canapés
before being shown to our staterooms.
I then join the other guests in the beautiful, open-plan saloon to
receive a briefing from the Captain on the itinerary for the next few
days. We are advised that not only will this include paragliding, diving
and fishing but there will also be an exhilarating helicopter flight
over the fjord-strewn landscape and visits to Preikestolen – one of the
country’s highest vantage points – and the exquisite gardens on the
private island of Flor and Fjære.
Departing from Stavanger, one of the biggest cities in this sparsely
populated country, we begin our thrilling exploration of the serene
fjords in the Rogaland municipality.
Norway is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Daydream pulls up
behind a well-equipped Jeanneau Merry Fisher tender, enabling
guests to get a little closer to the coast or angle in shallow waters.Norway is an emerging cruising and charter destination, but currently most superyachts will have the seas, rivers and spectacular scenery to themselvesNorway’s spectacular fjords are great for cruising and hikingRogaland is in southern NorwayISLANDS & COASTS Rogaland, Norway