Boats and Sailing Conditions in Umanak Fjord and the Vaigat

Abstract

the fjords, on the other hand, although storms of this type are commonly referred to as south-westerly, extraordinary variations in wind direction and force have to be reckoned with. Associated with the passing of the depression, a strong current of air blows off the ice-cap. In all the Umanak fjords therefore from Qarajaqs Isfjord to Kangerdluk, according to the direction of each, the wind varies from S.E. through E. to E.N.E., and extends far into Umanak Fjord proper, blowing most strongly along the north coast of Nugssuaq peninsula, and at the junction of two or more fjords. Off the southeast corner of Ubekendt Island, and again in the lee of Upernivik, there is generally a heavy swell with little wind, but in the western half of Igdlorssuit Sund the full force of the wind, now blowing from the S.S.E., is encountered. On the east of Upernivik Island the wind blows in for a short distance at each end of the strait Inukavsait, leaving a calm area in the middle. In the Vaigat also, especially when the wind outside is W.S.W., a calm patch occurs, generally north of Qutdligssat, and for that reason sailing ships bound north from Disko Bay used to keep outside Disko. An easterly wind in the Vaigat reaches its greatest velocity in the narrows between the precipitous mountains of Disko and Nugssuaq. The only winds other than those described which occur at all frequently on the coasts of North Greenland are northerly. A north wind blows into the Vaigat and all the Umanak fjords, with the exception of two in the north? Ingia Fjord and the dangerous Uvkusigssat Fjord. Out of the second it blows in such vicious squalls that all Greenlanders dread the place. From 29 June until 8 September 1939, northerly winds were experienced at Igdlorssuit on ten days, but never for a period exceeding twelve hours, and only once did the wind attain the force of a moderate breeze. Southwesterly storms of considerable intensity, on the other hand, were uncommonly frequent. The seas then encountered were short, steep, and awkward, but not dangerous to a fully-decked boat except at the mouth of the Vaigat, where strong tides run. It was noted at Igdlorssuit, and again during the autumn at Umanak, that while the barometer is falling, calm conditions or light northerly winds prevail. The wind off the ice-cap comes, often very suddenly, when the barometer begins to rise, but sufficient warning is always given by the piling up of high tower-like clouds over the edge of the inland ice. These clouds are