The Restauration arrives in Madeira

The Restauration arrived in Funchal, Madeira, on July 29, after nearly four weeks at sea.

Linn Apenes

Aslaug Kristine Myhre

Sikke Marie Myhre

After nearly four weeks at sea, the Restauration arrived in Funchal, Madeira.

At 08:44 on July 29, the sloop Restauration arrived in Funchal, Madeira, after almost four weeks at sea, only one day after the estimated arrival. Since departing from Stavanger on July 4, the vessel had experienced fair weather but also hardships in the form of rough seas and gales as they crossed the Bay of Biscay down to the northwest coast of Spain.

"It's us against the elements, quite simply," says Aslak Bråtveit. The crew has pointed out that such a journey can never be 100% prepared for before departure. The challenge is to take it as it comes and find new solutions along the way.

The vessel is packed with electronics — so much so that the crew has joked that Apollo 11 would be envious. The Restauration is sailed primarily with wind power, but can, if necessary, get extra help from two electric motors that are powered by a diesel generator. When sailing, the average speed is about five knots, but in rough weather, such as gales and demanding seas, the speeds have been close to 10 knots.

The ship was originally built as a replica of a 200-year-old Hardanger yacht, and the hull's construction means that it has poor ability to cross upwind. The crew therefore compensates with engine power to keep the ship on course. The ship lies well in the water, and even with a 40-degree list at its most extreme, the ship corrects its course easily.

Pictured from left to right on board the Restauration in Madeira: Skipper Kjell Morten Ronæs, Aslak Bråtveit, Signy Bråtveit, and Reidar Scott Østerhus.

As Aslak Bråtveit comments: "She is like a duck in water. I am simply impressed by her seaworthiness. The Restauration will be in Funchal for about six days, before the trip sets off westward. After a tough voyage with what is described as the hardest beating the ship has ever received, skipper Kjell Morten Ronæs wants, out of pure curiosity, to check the hull before the next leg. It can probably withstand far more than we fear."

The spirit of hard work that has accompanied the Restauration crew from the start of the project, first with thousands of hours to restore the ship, now continues on the voyage. The project is more than an ordinary voyage. It is being carried out "in spite of, and not because of," Aslak Bråtveit emphasizes. With a spirit of hard work, determination and patience, they have defied various limitations and conventional wisdom. Reidar Scott Østerhus puts it this way: "This is not just about the boat. It is about daring to do something different."

A crew of 11 people was on board when the Restauration set off from Stavanger in early July. On the Madeira–Bahamas route, they will continue sailing with a crew of eight. The watch duty is divided into intervals of four-hour watches with three people per watch. When they are not on duty, the most important thing is to get enough rest, keep order and do the work that needs to be done. It is crowded on board, and there is little privacy, so comfort is not the focus but rather the will to implement an idea that many would probably dismiss as madness.

Signy Bråtveit is looking forward to solid land under her feet and a good long shower. She is disembarking in Funchal but will be in place on the other side of the Atlantic and wil be among those who welcome Restauration to New York when it arrives, which, according to plan, will be on Oct. 9.

Photos by Juni Vikhagen