Crossing the North Sea Wintertime- for a Vikingfestival 

I am almost certain that your boat is not being tossed side to side by the ferocious waves, but rather by the swinging of your massive balls. Sailing that trip is amazing in itself, but capturing it on video and putting together these masterpiece films is just phenomenal.

Nothing a true Viking is afraid from if there is something to drink at the end of the journey. Going to the toilet is really a nightmare in strong winds! Usually I get seasick instantaneously! Another excellent video, was sitting on the edge the whole time when watching it.

Friggen epic. Knowing how small waves look on camera I can only imagine how this monsters felt. Love the attitude of looking for a good fight. Damn man, good stuff

Absolutely stunning Erik. Your films show sailing at its best. UK lockdown has stopped me sailing this year as im working with Covid patients in an ICU. Hope to get to my boat soon. Your films help me deal with missing sailing. Thank you.

Have watched this so many times.

Your July adventure across the North Sea to Greenland and to various, other destinations along that approaching nautical journey is Keenly awaited. What an adventure to "Helly A" across the "seas" to such an amazing consecration/celebration I have just watched. I rode it with an excellent beer, great, sharp cheddar cheese and whole wheat (no cheapening additives) crackers. After a tough day in U.S. state politics and policy (Colorado), it all proved absolutely perfect tonic and "cinema," truly! Thank you for your recording efforts and their honesty in many regards. I sit where I am in awe and excitement, both. I So love sailing, your videos are not helping my life-choice adherence to living My life out in the U.S. Rocky Mtn. interior West one iota, and I love the challenge to my choices when a late teenager and when completing in my early twenties my graduate education in New York. Sorry, your accounts are So vividly imagic indicative as to key, existential decisions in one's life. Even now, I weigh selling my amazing apartment and purchasing a "right" boat, renovating it, and transforming my life to one sailing the waves and waters, whether mono-hull or catamaran. Thanks again for your efforts, your video efforts are invaluable, trust my view, and those of so many others admiring the nautical challenges you take on with such pure, sheer guts!

You are one hell of a Viking! Respect! Spectacular photography. Thank you for being the wild one. Wonderful to see this voyage and the celebrations.

Allways a blast to watch your videos👍😊

What a journey Erik and nice to see you had everything under control. Looking at them waves is kind of scary, but good to see your confidence. Man you need to sort that anchor locker drain out, apart from that your boat handled well 👍👍👍

Great closing dialogue Erik! "If it's not yours fight until you get it" LOL

That town looks so magical :D Great sailing.

One word: magnificent!

Amazing video, very exciting to watch. I wonder if you could try to plug up that hole around the anchor chain with some clothes or rubber - you could always take it out when you need to drop the anchor. Maybe some kind of removable cap would be another solution.

Awesome, amazing

Viking with a capital letter !!!

I really appreciate you always taking me on uh our journeys. You inspire me to challenge my self. Thanks

I feel like I'm watching Braveheart again. Even Holywood Cinema cannot match what you are creating

You are AWESOME

*Man I like your videos, I know all about adrenaline, So I understand your thrill, but my wife would leave me if we went out in these conditions*

I feel like a sailing buddy would be beneficial. Very stressful by yourself. It would be nice to share the experience with someone....a friend to help you scoop the water out, make meals, take turns at the helm while you rest. Someone to hold the camera and film to keep it from falling and breaking AGAIN. Have you thought about bringing on another person, Erik?

sei un grande.

Your very brave ..to do that.

Great Erik! Just in these days I'm seeing the TV series "The Vikings" ... you only need a long beard and a pigtail to the ass and you are a perfect Vikings. Bravissimo!!!

Elayna & Riley could NEVER do this!

Having sailed a fair bit of blue water I enjoyed being reminded of what sailing at night is. During the day you can see as far as weather permits, sometimes to the horizon. At night it's like being in a strange, shifting room. There can be swell like rolling hills and all you can see is the glow of the instruments and foam surging past. Sometimes you get vertigo because everything is in motion and you lose your reference in the dark. In our increasingly artificial world I will always say that out at sea is where it is real. You listen to a very deep, ancient voice and once it has spoken to you, you only want to hear more. It's sublime.

Brilliant film, and brilliant sailing Erik, my Viking friend. You brought us along with you on a very tough sail, and I could feel the cold, fatigue and pitching of the deck. Thanks for the inspiration. I do think you need to find a better Plan B for your cooking though. :-)

The absolute best sailing channel on RU-vid, and among the best channels overall. Won’t be much longer and the subscriber count will skyrocket. Just amazing work, Erik!

That feeling when some "Viking" at Vikingfest asks you how your flight was.... and you realize you're the only Viking in attendance. 😎

the best pure sailing channel on YT. northern latitude sailing is the most exciting to do and watch!

Viking Erik is the most unique sailor. He combines rugged tenacity with incredible narrative and breathtaking visuals. ⛵👌🇸🇯

"It's time to relieve you of Caribbean beach partying and snorkel diving." As a Lake Superior sailor, this means something. Consider me relieved and thank you for a wonderful video.

After a lifetime of sailing and in my 80th year this is so real, Carry on, Never give up, !

YEAH! Time to kick back and watch you duke it out with the North Sea in Winter. You are so impressive and I learn from you every time I watch. Keep it coming!

Riveting. A sailing channel about sailing. No T&A, no white beaches, or stunning sunsets in places we have seen a thousand times before. Just Sailing! Hats of to you Erik. Sail Safe mate. Ant, Cid and the pooch crew.

"Battered but not beaten" as usual Erik. The video is fantastic. Not only are you a great sailor worthy of his Viking forefathers but you are also a great narrator.

Thanks, Erik for taking us on your " little " adventure. . When I see you riding the waves, i recognise the luckiest and happiest man on earth who made the sea his best friend.

How does your boat stay afloat when it has to carry you and your massive balls?

Man I love this video, a real man. I love it when he says, "remember, there is no Plan B, only Plan A". awesome!

I used to watch all the Nancy sailing channels. You know, bikinis, drinks, snorkeling, the "Oh, the wind is at 15 knots today, we'd better stick to the intercoastal"! Then I found this channel...

I subscribed. Absolutely one of the best “real” sailing videos I’ve seen on RU-vid. Thank you for sharing.

Been waiting for this one! No others create content like yours. Your fast becoming a sailing rockstar! Well deserved.

Skip Novak removes his chain from the anchor and secures them both below. He puts a water tight cap over the anchor chain hole to stop water from coming into the anchor locker. Just a thought.

I have watched this video 3 times now! I really enjoy, no I love, watching your videos! The heavy weather sailing is exciting. I learn from them and the video shots are great. But I think the biggest thing is your enthusiasm and enjoyment of what you are doing!

Well done Erik! Eisenhower, the Allied Commander during WWII, wrote, Evaluate a man's character when things are going poorly -- not when everything is going well, for it's easy when everything is going well. . . . You had rough seas almost the entire passage, you were taking on water, carried off course, spilled your damn dinner, etc, but you didn't panic and you maintained a generally positive attitude. Again, well done. If faced with similar circumstances, I hope that I can emulate your character.

I can't imagine how difficult and cold that must have been, no way could I eat spaghetti out of a tin like that.

Brilliant, classy, adventurous, raw, sexy and THE BEST sailing channel that I follow. Exhilarating Erik! I need a smoke 😉

Loved and respect brother don't know why but your video brought happy tears 🙏 to my eyes god bless everybody that still has a tradition that moves hearts

I grew some chest hair by just watching this. 😁😁😁 And this video reminds me of a scene from 13th Warrior.

This is not a weekly vlog but always worth the wait !!! Fantastic episode Erik . This is how a sailing vlog should look like . No bikinis and beaches , no other bullshit , just sailing . Thank you for sharing this !!!

This is great. In summer 2019 I sailed from Bergen to Lerwick on the Swan, a restored 120 year old fishing boat based in Lerwick. The conditions were lovely, with a steady southerly F4 most of the way and quite a bit of sunshine, so nothing like your winter crossing. I'm too old to contemplate a winter crossing, but this video is just terrific. Great challenging sailing. My mother was a Shetlander, and for me, there's something special about arriving in Lerwick by boat, especially on a sailing boat. Top marks.

Erik IMHO, the charger-inverter in the bilge is controversial idea.

These videos beat the heck out of SV delos. Good story telling. Sailing. Cinematography. Color grading. And you never get bored watching. Thanks for making these my friend. May the winds be in your favor.

I think you finally answered the most pressing question us landlubbers always ask: How do you use the head in heavy weather? It's like astronauts on a spaceship. Thank you for the answer

A quick ride on the fore deck (in 5C weather and 7C water) is a great way to stay awake and focused, have some fun, and get completely soaked.... LMAO spoken like a true Viking! The footage from that Viking festival was truly amazing...wow it must be incredible to see in person. Thanks for sharing!

Best episode of any channel yet. That’s what a sailing audience wants and well sailed 👌

"Hold fast, and stay onboard!" Noted that your homeport in west Norway is south of that Scottish destination. BTW, regarding the water in your bilge from your chain opening on deck, could you fit a simple gland of 3 or 4 layers of, say, neoprene, cut with a + in the center, slightly just smaller than the OD of your chain links, each neoprene layer being slightly offset in rotation from the adjacent one? (I think the English word is "gland") I expect this would reduce if not eliminate the water coming through to your bilge. It's cheap, or free if you have a ruined wetsuit to cut up, and it might work for the conditions you experienced.

Thank you for reminding us that weather, hell and chaos are there to challenge us and it is a rare opportunity to fight.

Erik, friggin awesome stuff mate, as Patrick Laine said you took us along with you. Somehow you managed to capture the elements really well, although I bet those waves were larger than they appear on video. Love your attitude - challenge yourself - and change your mindset when it gets tougher.

Omg going to the toilet is my dread. The only time I start to feel sickness coming on. Absolutely love your videos they are raw reality. My friend would love to come with me but her health can't take the beating. This is like therapy for her, watching you 😊

Two suggestions to deal with your bilge water.. (1) Use a flexible suction hose that's ball-weighed down at the end to obey gravity. (2) Carry a loose hand-or foot-pump you can stick in anywhere you want. Clear horizons.. :)

I've never stepped on a sailing boat in my life but really enjoy this channel.

Erik: you are well named: and a true legend: your own Saga will ring through the centuries. I salute you!! And yes, I have also sailed from Shetland: so this is very real to me.

"It's time again to relieve you from the Caribbean beach partying and snorkling." :-) Thank you for that!

Maybe next time when you know its going to rough out use some putty clay, the stuff kids play with and pack it around your anchor chain. That will keep 90% of the water out of the boat. And if you really need to use the anchor the clay just comes out. Hope it helps keeping the boat dry next time, and you make some really cool trips out there! Would love to try something like that one day (maybe a little calmer) Hahaha. Keep up the great videos!! i love them! Greets from Holland, The Netherlands.

Total badass, Erik. Inspirational. I’m curious, does Tessie like heeling that much? My 38’ sloop slows down when I heel more than about 15-20 degrees. Different hull/keel shapes, I guess. Amazing sail!

Erik! From one Viking to another and incase no one else has yet mentioned it, 'bucket and chuck it' is way faster, cleaner and safer than using heads in rough seas, and get a 5 x 12 x 22cm Jumbo sponge for £1.20 from anywhere you choose, get more than one and keep the spare in the bilges. They can make really quick work of outing water for the bilges mate, especially if its splashing around those delicate electronics! Crikey! Cheers and thanks for taking us on another fine adventure :-)

10:30pm - I’m about to go sleep and then I find this channel. 12:05am - I’m full of adrenaline, completely awake and binge watching the damn whole thing. THANK YOU .

"my little adventure"...LOL...aye right!!!!!

Hello Eric My name is Steve I live in Australia. I love you videos. I have learnt so much watching you. I always have a beer while watching you. Keep up the great work mate. From Adelaide Australia

In heavy weather, I am concerned about a partially furled Genoa unrolling if furling line fails. Have you considered a removable inner stay with a handed on heavy weather sail for those conditions?

Apologies, I know nothing about sailing, but when your in the cabin, who’s keeping a eye on the sail boat?? Great film by the way👍🏻

Not even watched it and I know this is going to be epic. Love this channel! 👍

having a plan b means, that you know your limits and the risk to fail or make mistakes and you are prepared. i would never sail with a sailor without plan b ... just dumb and brainless. in case of emergency those "sailors" then need the help of others who have to risk their lives. no understanding for that !

Amazing Eric and so good to see you strapped in so well, this time I feel like you captured the scariness even better of your feat especially when you reefed the sail after 30 knots. Well done brother just brilliant watching !!

Writing from Oklahoma. Loved every minute of this adventure! Thanks for sharing

Erik, awesome as usual! You should invest in a small portable hand pump like kayakers use, it'll bail a lot more of that water off the cabin sole, easier and faster than a cup! And, have you tried getting a big ball of modelling clay (we call it "Plasticene" here), and jamming it into the hole that your anchor chain passes through on deck? That, or even remove the anchor offshore, and lower the chain down into the locker with just a small "leader line" to pull it back up; and then seal the hole. That would maybe help keep a lot of that water out in the first place.

I never imagined I would see a Viking in a plastic boat! I recommend the addition of at least one pair of oars and rowlocks to scare the Shetlanders witless! Some form of raised bowsprit is also called for. Given that there appears to be only one Viking on the water now it would be best if he could have a few accoutrements of battle also.

N B J S. Now that's what I am talking about!!

Could you not control the heal angle? Or at least heave to occasionally to help the bilge pump?

Wow, I am so impressed by your courage sailing out in the North Atlantic!

Allways nice to watch some grazy norden sailing! 😎 i know how to drive boat night time in lakes..but that ocean night feeling so grazy. cheers from Finland!

A great sailor yes, but also a great filmmaker. Thank you Erik.

HI Erik, great video as usual. I sail alone as well and the biggest nightmare for me is going overboard and watching my boat disappearing over the horizon leaving me to die a lingering death from hypothermia or drowning. I've been watching you on the fore deck brother and frankly I'm worried about you. I noticed you were wearing a life line on this video and a life jacket on the video though. I feel a lot safer since I invested in a Personal Locator Beacon which I wear clipped to by life jacket or clothing so if the worst happens and I go MOB I can activate it and get the same response from the Rescue services as if I had activated the EPIRB. It just gives me greater peace of mind. I thought that it might be a good idea to get one for your upcoming mega voyage. I have the Ocean Signal PLB1 which is so small I don't even know I'm wearing it. Mc Murdo make a great one too, as does ACR ResQlink which I believe is also buoyant. Anyway fair winds brother and keep safe.

Erik Aanderaa - The anti-Sailing La Vagabonde.

Knowing the waves look much smaller on camera than they are in real , hats off to your singlehanded courage.

To watch real sailing videos like this, you need to leave your bikinis and snorkeling gear behind...

Just Amazing love it makes my heart need something I never did. Something in my blood thanks again brother

To keep the boat moving and the GoPro's rolling under those conditions is a joy to behold while sitting still, upright and warm. The spirit of Ragnar Lothbrok lives on through you.

Well done Eric....Wonderful account of a daring venture. Your strength in adversity is exemplary and your account of the festival was inspirational. Between Patrick Laine and you I am inspired to get back to sailing once more. Best to you ...NIel S. CANADA.

Your journey is great. I thank you for the consideration of your life.

Another great video Erik the Viking! Keep up your excellent work, I like many others enjoy these exhilarating trips, just brilliant fella! Raising a glass to you!

I can feel it now I got to do it thank you,my name is Brendon Merander.

Man, you are one crazy bastard. I love it. Great video!

Great vid, tough trip. "Claim your prize, take what is yours. And if it's not yours, fight until it is". Now that's a Viking battle cry!

hey Erik Mate , Hello from Melbourne Australia Im watching while having breakfast here in my recliner :)) thanks for the cool experience ...at one moment i felt like my room is swaying and the Tea im drinking from my cup was the sea water you were emptying from the boat ..Cheers brother i Hope one day you sail here to Australia ..please gimme a call David

You need our boat ;-) From Copenhagen 1958!!! She's more sea kindly......

Really enjoyed watching it so much that I have seen it 3 times now. Even sent it to a friend who is doing a sailing navigational exam at the moment. Loved your comments at the start Erik about going to Shetland to claim what is mine :) The festival and all the good people you met there footage was the icing on the cake. Loved your reflective comments coming home. Thanks so much Cheers Ian

Mate, that was just awesome. I stumbled upon your adventure by accident and couldn't stop watching anymore!

Let me know when you are going again there I will sail up there just to feel a beautifull nation with an amazing culture heritage and people's love to all

Why this guy doesn’t have his own TV show yet ??!!!!