An early start into the Midnight Sun
The Row in Numbers
Boat (used on second leg): Yole Class, by Virus -FiberglassManufacturer Yole: Virus, France
Length: 4.80meter / 15'9"
Width: 83cm / 33"
Rigger Span: 158cm/ 62"
Weight: 60kg / 125lbs
Cockpit open, 100% self bailing
Oars: Carbon/ Hatchet Blades
Spare Oars: Aluminum, Macon Blades
Overall Distance 2300km/1241 naut. miles
1. leg 2003 - 400km/ 220 naut. miles
2. leg 2005 - 1900km/1025 naut. miles
Days on the water: 109
Hours rowed: 550
Longest leg: 29 hours /140/76 n.miles
Total burn of energy (body)
Kcal 500.000 = 70 kg/150lbs Butter
Average Air temp: 10 degrees Celsius
Average water temp: 2 -10 degrees Celsius
Average daylight: June=24h > Sept=17h
His Goals for the Row
The goal of this trip was to be the first circumnavigation of Iceland in a rowing boat and for Hauksson to be the first Icelander to row single-handedly around his country without the support of motor or sail, or a safety boat, using only on his own power. Equally important to the personal quest, was the opportunity to raise money for HAI and introduce rowing to his countrymen.Since this trip was also preparation for a transatlantic row, Hauksson was very keen to selecting gear and equipment based on weight and reliability. All had to be waterproof. The equipment included: GSM, NMT and Irridium Sat phone, VHF radio, GPS and compass used for navigation, two emergency beacons, flares, parachute rockets, lights, survival suit, spare parts and tools. The equipment was stored in dry bags and fastened to the open forward and aft deck of the boat. Hauksson wore a life vest at all times and was connected to the boat via a lifeline.
Kjartan rowing through the breakers
The Row
Hauksson started the second leg on June 5th 2005 rowing from Bolungarvík (near Icefjord) and ended in Reykjavik Harbor precisely at 2:15 pm, September 2nd. He came ashore to the cheers of a crowd of supporters, a scene which happened at every stop during the journey. The Frelsi proved to be the perfect choice for the row. While it was damaged several times in bad weather landings, including broken keels, holes and cracks, Hauksson was able to do ad hoc repairs without interrupting his quest.The most difficult part of the row was the weather and areas of long shallow shorelines which had limited or no possible landing sites. Hauksson’s average rowing leg lasted 15-20 hours and covered as much as 100 kilometers. Some days, the winds and surf conspired to keep him at sea, forcing Hauksson to row as much as 30 hours non-stop, and traveling as much 140 kilometers. In these most difficult parts the routine was a three-minute food stop every two-to-three hours.
In spite of the changeable weather, Hauksson enjoyed good days when he could watch marine and bird life as well as Iceland’s spectacular mountainous landscape. Some days whales and seals accompanied him on his row.
Apres Row
After finishing his row around Iceland, Kjartan returned to work at his company, on projects ranging from work on a Clint Eastwood film to a Russian exploration searching Iceland's west coast for a World War II vessel. In his off-hours Hauksson and his wife Brynja are building a lakeside cottage, which they plan to rent to rowers, anglers and outdoor lovers, and launching a tour company offering guided multi-days rows around Iceland. The second part of Hauksson’s dream, the transatlantic row, is tentatively scheduled for 2008. In the meantime, the never-still Hauksson is working to increase the visibility of rowing to Iceland, founding a rowing club, and introduce rowing to handicapped people for fitness, pleasure or competition.Hauksson welcomes contact via email: kjartanhauks@hotmail.com