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While we were anchored outside of Risør, a man from a Hallberg-Rassy moored nearby rowed over to our boat. He asked, "Are you going to the Hallberg-Rassy meeting tomorrow in Risør?" When we said we knew nothing about it, he explained that Norway's HR club had planned an event to take place beginning the next day. We attended.
We were taken by the club's warmth and hospitality and the generosity of the hosting boatyard Sjøsenteret Risør. We spent two days with the club but other commitments prevented us from continuing on their tour of the Norwegian coast. We had a fantastic time and enjoyed the time we spent with the other HR owners. Here are some highlights of the event.
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The festivities began with Ankerdram, the traditional drink at the successful completion of a long sail, after the boat is safe in harbor and all the gear is stowed. We had 24 people from a dozen boats aboard Swept Away to toast the event with bitters. Ankerdram can be schnapps or any other short drink, sipped from small shot glasses. |
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In the morning, we met near the dock and walked up a rocky trail to the Veterans' Museum at the top of the hill.
Many artifacts in the museum were very moving, including the concentration-camp jacket from a man who still lives in the town, and a letter from a local resistance member to his family from a concentration camp near Oslo, written after he learned that he was condemned to be executed. The bravery of these people was extraordinary. |
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 Twelve Hallberg-Rassy boats along the dock. |
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Our
guide, a veteran and a founder of the museum, was a member of the
Norwegian resistance. Ragnar Gustavsen built 20 radio sets after the
Germans took Norway, as they had confiscated all receivers. He used his
own radio to receive news from the British and disseminate it to the
local citizens. Mr. Gustavsen hid a duplicating machine under the floor
of his kitchen and printed flyers and morale-boosting cartoons for
Risør's people.
Vekter
John Thomas Axelsen took the group for a tour of the town, with a joke
at every stop. Our new Norwegian friends, all quite fluent in English,
took the time to translate for us so we could enjoy the fun.
Our
day continued with a sail on the former rescue boat Risør II, built in
1914 and recently restored. Rescue boats were used to tow fishing dories
into port during winter gales. Later, we had a fine dinner in town. We
were charmed by the HR owners and are sure to see them again in other
harbors along the coast.