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Description
We are two Dutch sailors, Eugene and Andrey, currently in Finnsnes, Northern Norway, where we’ve taken on the adventure of restoring a beautiful sailboat: a Hallberg-Rassy 312 She’s a classic yacht, but the previous owner didn’t take very good care of her. Our dream is to bring her back to life and ready her for sailing along the Norwegian coast, all the way down to Amsterdam.
The project so far has been hands-on, sometimes messy, often surprising, and very always rewarding. Over the past weeks, we’ve rebuilt the engine and done a bunch of other work. Now, we want to finish the work on the rigging and woodwork, and get the last bits ready for departure. You don’t need previous experience with boats — just curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love for adventure. If you already have DIY or sailing skills, even better!
You’ll be staying with us in our home near the harbor and we’ll be sharing meals. We cover groceries and cook together, which has become one of the coziest parts of the day.
What makes this special is not just the work but the place: Finnsnes sits between dramatic fjords, mountains, and islands — the gateway to Senja, which many call the “most beautiful island in the world”. The landscapes here are incredible. In free time, you can hike, fish, visit a sauna, or simply sit by the water.
So far, this project has blown my mind in terms of how the local people have stepped up to help. A mechanic has been teaching us all about how boats work, another sailor helped us get boat parts from all over Norway, and others have lent us tools. This project has honestly returned my faith in humanity and the power of community — and I hope if you visit us, we can share that with each other!
If you want to be part of a small team, learn about boats and sailing life, and live a little Arctic adventure, we’d love to welcome you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
One of the most special parts of this project has been how people have come together around the boat.. It feels less like just “fixing a boat” and more like joining a small community.
Since we started, we’ve had incredible support:
• Martin, a mechanic who drove two hours to help us and ended up rebuilding the entire engine.
• Helge, a sailor from our pontoon, who showed us how to service the winches and even found us spare parts.
• Ole and Espen, who have lent us tools and gear more times than we can count.
• Janis and Olesya, who helped us find a yard to haul the boat out of the water.
Volunteers become part of this network — it’s a mix of sailors, locals, and friends who all love the sea and enjoy helping each other. You’ll get to see how strong the harbor community is here in Northern Norway.
We also love the exchange of skills and stories: you might learn boat maintenance, ropework, or cooking Norwegian-style fish soup, while we get to hear about your culture, your travels, and your ideas. Every person brings something new, and that’s what makes hosting so rewarding.
For us, this project is as much about people as it is about sailing — and we’re excited to learn from everyone who joins us.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Most of the work is practical, hands-on, and varies from day to day depending on what the boat needs next. Some of the main tasks we’re focusing on include:
• Painting and varnishing to protect and brighten up the woodwork
• Cleaning and organizing the boat inside and out
• Checking and maintaining different systems on board (engine, water, electrics)
• Installing new ropes (running rigging) and sails
• Making small changes in the rigging and fittings
We work together as a team, so you’ll always have guidance — and you’ll get to pick up boat-maintenance and sailing skills along the way. If you already know your way around DIY or sailing gear, we’d love to learn from you too!
We usually work a lot on the more rainy days, and spend the sunny ones enjoying time outdoors. Then we take time off to explore the area, go for hikes, or just enjoy life by the fjords. Some tasks are more creative (like varnishing or ropework), others are a bit more physical (like sanding or cleaning), so we try to keep a good balance.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Russian: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
We’re very lucky: a kind local has lent us a house about 15 minutes’ drive from the harbor where the boat is being restored. The house is in good condition and has everything we need for a comfortable stay: a newly renovated and fully equipped kitchen (oven, dishwasher, etc.), a cozy living room, and space to relax after a day of work.
For sleeping arrangements, there’s a room upstairs. If you’re traveling by campervan, you can park it next to the house or even down by the boat, and use that as your space while still being part of the team.
We have a car to get between the house and the marina, so transport is not a problem.
It’s not luxury, but it’s warm, cozy, and feels like a home!
We will buy food together and cook! We will pay for your food.
What else ...
We are planning to get the boat ready by 6 or 7 September, so if you are in the area and would like to join us for a few days, please feel free to! Also, we’re happy to take you out on the boat and teach a bit about sailing 🙂
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a nice table in the house and internet, so if you need to work that’s also possible!
Space for parking camper vans
There is space to put your campervan near the home or next to the marina.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Photos
