Labrador Sea question

[OBT]

Hi all,

I'm sailing from St. Anthony Newfoundland to Nuuk, Greenland late in June. Any local wisdom as to conditions one might expect? Temps, Fog, Sea-state, Winds?

Thanks

[hpeer]

I have tried it twice and turned back for mechanical reasons.

Last time was mid-June 2019. That was a heavy ice year. If you have no experience around ice I have a few comments.

The Labrador current is freaking cold, 30°f or -1C. You want to watch how the ice flow is developing down off the Lab coast. It can build up quite considerably and run many miles off shore. Each year is different.

In 2019 I made it to almost the edge of the flow when the engine conked. Light winds with a very confused sea about 4’. Heavy fog with intermittent bergs. The radar works but was having trouble picking them up at distance. There is no point being outside, can’t see **** and the fog just penetrates your soul. So I was huddled inside staring at radar screen. This got old and depressing, besides I was working on the engine as it was overheating. The depression got really deep.

Once I made the decision to turn back, I must have been right on the edge of the flow, the sun came out, the wind picked up and I sailed back to Lewisporte.

Bergs look bit and solid, what photos don’t show is that they periodically shed which means there are good size fields of smaller, but dangerous, ice floating downwind of the parent berg. Bergy bits and growlers. In good weather you can navigate them, provided you see them.

If I were to try this trip again I would leave from Lewisporte or Twillingate. It is a bit longer but you are generally more clear of the heavy berg/ice flows.

I have watched videos of others leaving from St Johns and they have little ice problem.

BUT every year is different. So there is that.

Photo is from my first attempt, outside Battle Harbor. That was a clear day.

[hpeer]

I am surprised no one else has chimed in.

[Rumrace]

Damn. I have nothing to contribute, just wanted to read the thread.
Epic adventures. Good luck and warm winds