North Sailing introduces Skjálfandi Bay’s ecosystem to the young generation of Húsavík

There is a long tradition for North Sailing to offer students of Húsavík’s primary school, to an autumn sailing around Skjálfandi Bay. The other day around 100 students and teachers joined us on the boats Bjössi Sör and Náttfari. We sailed around the bay, spotted humpback whales and then landed in Flatey Island.

An inspiring visit to Flatey Island

According to Hjálmar Bogi Hafliðason, a teacher at Borgarhólsskóli, the weather was perfect when they got to the island. The group walked around, enjoyed lunch and witnessed fascinating views from the lighthouse. They also encountered islanders who had been staying on the island since the beginning of September. After a successful visit to Flatey Island the group headed back to Húsavík. And of course, warmed up with a cup of hot chocolate and freshly baked cinnamon buns.

Good cooperation with the primary school of Húsavík

It is an integral part of the autumn to invite the town’s teenagers on an autumn sailing trip. North Sailing is proud to have the students onboard to introduce them to Skjálfandi Bay’s ecosystem and the spectacular surrounding environment. “This long term cooperation with Húsavík’s primary school is highly important for us. It is a great opportunity for North Sailing to connect with and contribute to the local community,” says Stefán Jón Sigurgeirsson, Managing Director of North Sailing.

Teaching children about the ocean and sustainability

This is the fourth trip this year that young Húsavík locals have joined North Sailing on their boats. In the summer a group of 30 children from Húsavík’s youth summer program enjoyed a successful whale watching tour. Also, the NGO organization Ocean Missions worked on a project with another group of teenagers. The emphasis was on ocean education and its ecosystem as well as making the children aware of environmental issues. “Two groups joined the team of Ocean Missions on the electric schooner Opal. They cleaned beaches in the surroundings and took microplastic samples from the bay. It is safe to say that this project was a success, and worth noting that North Sailing is the main supporter of Ocean Missions”, says Stefán Jón.

The eco-friendly whale watching company

Since the beginning in 1995, North Sailing has focused on environmental protection and careful behaviour towards marine wildlife. It is a great honour for North Sailing to be able to educate children and show them the importance of building a sustainable future.

North Sailing would like to thank both students and teachers for coming and look forward to continued cooperation in the future.