The Drop-In #E11: Surviving Iceland On A Boat In Winter

The Reykjavík Grapevine has been published out of downtown Reykjavík for more than 20 years, with its offices for most of that time next door to the "World Famous Hot Dog Stand." In this episode we are joined by Jay Thompson and Natasha González, known as the "Coconuts family," professional sailors and extreme adventurers who have repeatedly sailed to Iceland, often arriving in the dead of winter. They discuss their full-time life aboard their incredible 107-year-old, 40-ton solid oak vessel, Lola of Skagen, their recent winter journey from France via the British Isles, and how they run surf and ski charters in the remote Westfjords. They also share the story of their son, Artico, who was born in Ísafjörður, and detail the technical challenges of navigating Iceland's treacherous high-latitude waters using local knowledge and weather analysis. Hosted by: Jón Trausti Sigurðarson & Bart Cameron Episode Highlights 00:01:17 - Meet Lola: Detailing the guests' majestic, 107-year-old, 40-ton solid oak Danish fishing boat and her long and interesting history. 00:07:00 - WhyJay and Natashia choose to spend the winter in Iceland, arriving in February, because they "don't really like it so much in summer." 00:09:56 - Taking adventurers on surf charters to remote, previously unsurfed waves in the Westfjords, including naming one "Lola's Right." 00:15:39 - The incredible story of their son, Artico (meaning Arctic in Spanish), who was born in an old house in Ísafjörður. 00:22:18 - Guiding a hardcore Norwegian group on a ski and dive expedition to the remote natural reserve of Hornstrandir. 00:31:43 - Professional sailor Jay Thompson explains the main difference when sailing Iceland's high latitudes, including quick weather changes and strong currents. Follow Jay and Natasha's adventures on their website coconuts.is and learn more about their boat at lolaofskagen.com. You can also find them on social media at Coconuts Sail and Lola of Skagen. PS. The Reykjavík Grapevine gave Jay and Natasha a couple of bottles of Reyka vodka, to keep them warm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SHOW SUPPORT Make a donation to The Reykjavík Grapevine, we really appreciate it: https://support.grapevine.is You can also support the Grapevine by shopping in our online store: https://shop.grapevine.is ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WHO ARE WE? The Reykjavík Grapevine is an alternative monthly magazine, bringing you all the news and views on Icelandic society, music, travel, culture and more. Grapevine.is #rvkgrapevine