A humpback whale in the harbor of Husavik

It‘s very rare, even on high season to see a whale having a good time inside a port.   But today, the 30th of march, there was a humpback whale swimming inside the harbor of Husavik. Maybe he was reminding us, that North Sailing will start the whale watching season just in two days, friday…

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Construction work on Náttfari coming to an end

Those who have been following our news section on our website are aware of the reconstruction and renovation of North Sailing‘s vessel, Náttfari during the winter months.   The new railing on backboard and stern side of the boat is almost finished and the new 420 horsepower Scania engine is getting ready to be tested.…

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Researches

Each year, researches of whales are becoming a bigger part of Skjálfandi Bay   Ever since North Sailing began offering regular whale and nature watching in Skjálfandi Bay the company has striven to assist scholars and researchers, both Icelandic and foreigners, to perform various marine biology studies in the bay.   At first this was…

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Construction work on Náttfari

Our webpage’s newsmonger took a stroll to the harbor to follow up on the work done on one of North Sailing’s newest addition to the fleet, Náttfari, which has been in the shipyard the whole winter for restoration.   On deck, Guðmundur the shipbuilder was busy finishing the new railing on backboard and stern side…

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North Sailing website wins the Icelandic Web Awards

The North Sailing website, www.northsailing.is, was recently awarded the Icelandic Web Awards. The awards goes out annually, to the websites chosen each year for being excellent in their field or business. The jury consists of professionals who evaluate the candidates based on technical quality, appearance and usability.   The North Sailing website was nominated as…

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North Sailing in the finals of the Icelandic web awards 2010

The event is organized by the Iceland web industry association www.svef.is. They are a non profit organization devoted to sharing and bringing knowledge to the web industry in Iceland.   The jury is composed of professionals in the web industry and have selected various sites in different categories, as finalists for this prestigious awards and…

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North Sailing expands operations

Entering its 17th year at the forefront of whale watching in Iceland the year 2011 will be one of tremendous progress for North Sailing as plans to expand operations in North Iceland have been implemented.   Situated West of Húsavík at the mouth of Eyjafjörður fjord the quaint village of Ólafsfjörður has been chosen as…

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Almost Christmas

In the final days before Christmas our webpage’s newsmonger took a stroll to the harbor and watched with interest while some North Sailing employees were at work. The day went smoothly and all workers were relaxed and very clear that Christmas was approaching. They had just finished covering the schooner Hildur and some were polishing…

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The new workshop

Recently, several employees of North Sailing have been busy restoring the new workshop at Höfðaver, both internally and externally. Earlier this fall a fence was set up around the property and new soil was placed around the storage container which is expected to store oak and other hardwood which the company needs to keep in…

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A new engine for Náttfari

As already mentioned in our latest news, one of North Sailing’s boats, Náttfari is being restored this winter. Today, a new 420 horsepower Scania engine was hauled aboard with a powerful crane, operated by Omar Egilsson   Stefán Gunnarsson and Alli had complete control over the project and transferred the machine onboard and into the engine…

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The Reykjavik office

This summer, North Sailing opened a branch office in the heart of Reykjavík, Austurstræti 17.   The webpage’s newsmonger dropped by to visit the head of the office, Birna Lind Björnsdóttir Sales and Marketing Manager.   Birna started working for North Sailing on June 1st, 2010 and has since handled sales and marketing for the…

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A Master of Icelandic in Reykjavik

The newsmonger was visiting the capital last week and thought it ideal to visit one of North Sailing’s employee, Þórdís Jóhannesdóttir.   Þórdís is currently studying Icelandic literature at the University of Iceland and if everything goes as planned she recives her MA degree next spring.   Þórdís has been a guide for North Sailing…

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Complete overhaul of Náttfari

The oil tanks have been emptied and cleaned, the gearbox, the steering gear, the axle and propeller have been removed and taken to the workshop for inspection and revision.   The total steering gear will be renewed, all electric equipment will be changed, woodwork will take place on the boat especially in the rear part.…

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Getting rid of scrap metal

North Sailing is very focused on recycling and re-use of every kind of metal or woods possible.   However, the company regularly has to dispose of the accummulated scrap metal, using special disposal containers. Some materials can be used again and again, and Alli carefully monitors the scrap !            …

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Náttfari geared up

The gearbox of Náttfari was hauled out and transported to the workshop for revision.   This gearbox certainly has served its purpose since the boat was launched in 1965 and is still in good condition, even after 45 years of use.   Overhaul of gearboxes in boats are quite common and usually the gearboxes have…

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Höfðaver – the new workshop

In the past weeks some of North Sailing‘s staff have been working on the new timber workshop in Höfðaver, installing a ventilated room for oil and varnish work.   On the pictures are Bjössi Sör and Hreiðar Olgeirs, doing preparation work on some tables and benches before putting on varnish.  Also in the finished ventilation…

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Engine haul !

A hole was cut on the starboard side to extract the broken Cummins engine out of the engine room. A powerful crane from a local company was used and handled professionally without any mishap – a successful operation.   We let the pictures speak for themselves.                  

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Autumn plan

Two boats, Bjössi Sör and Náttfari have now been moved to the shipyard for restauration and makeover. Schooner Haukur and Knörrinn are ready by the buoys on the outer harbour, waiting their turn.                    

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Náttfari doomed to the Shipyard

On June 19, the engine of Náttfari, one of North Sailing‘s most important boats broke down.   This was very unfortunate for the summer operation and due to the seriousnes of the engine failure, the decision was taken to postpone it‘s repair until autumn.   Immense manpower was therefore put into finishing restauration of oak…

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Season 2010 – a successful ending

Our whale watching season has come to an end our last day of operation was October 17th, but we have been very fortunate with the weather and whale sightings in September and beginning of October – we are confident that our visitors return to their home countries with good memories and fantastic pictures.   We invite…

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