We mentioned yesterday it was hard to drive the boat in tight spots and take photos. But we had such a good example this morning we snapped a couple of quick photos. The next series are of a passage near Rugsund, Norway, which cannot be more than 75 feet (22m) wide in places.

Radar (left) is set on 1/8th mile range so the range rings are 300 feet (90m). The sonar is on a 300 foot (90m) scale. We are barely moving, both engines are out of gear. The way forward is clear on the chart, but we are not sure if that is accurate. Sonar confirms we have room at least to start.

This is the narrow spot. Looking to starboard it feels like we can reach the rocks with the boathook. But in reality we are about 20 feet (6m) away and maybe a hair more.

Past the constriction on the starboard now and looking ahead to a projection on our port side. Notice the radar is clear, but the sonar show something in our path. We slide off to starboard a touch.

We are familiar with Wind Horse’s capabilities, and given the situation, and her high degree of tolerance for “pilot error” we are comfortable in doing this (its fun too). But there are some considerations:

• We want calm current or a slight current against us. We would never try this going with the current.
• Wind must be calm or on the nose.
• By definition it is too constricted to turn around, so consideration needs to be given to our ability to reverse if our way is blocked.
• If we get into difficulty, can we extricate ourselves?

A few days ago we bypassed two nice looking anchorages because it was starting to blow, there was a building sea, and the wind would have been on the stern as we worked our way in. There was no room for error.

We suspect there will be more examples along the Norwegian coast.