A DREAM COME TRUE: SCOTTISH VIKINGS SAIL TO HÚSAVÍK
We welcomed some very special guests in Húsavík last week—guests who brought emotions and even tears of joy to all of us. It all started with a 30-year-old dream that finally came true.
Our assistant manager Daniel Annisius, who has been with Gentle Giants for over 20 years—starting in the ticket center, then working as a guide, and now one of the heads of operations—had always heard of this dream. His uncle Ian Stephen and cousin Sean Stephen had long dreamed of visiting their family in Húsavík, following the footsteps of the ancient Vikings and sailing the route they once did from the Hebrides to Iceland.
Last year, they bought a new boat—Silver Moon—and spent the winter preparing her to make their Viking adventure come true. Parts of the Gentle Giants family got involved in the preparations. Our CEO Stefán Guðmundsson, along with our head captains, helped plan the route, gave advice on weather, ports, tides, and navigation—everything they needed to know about sailing around Iceland.
And so the journey began. They set sail from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis in the northwest of Scotland, crossed the sea, and arrived safely in Seyðisfjörður. Sailing along Iceland’s east coast, they followed the shadows of the ancient Vikings and entered Skjálfandi Bay.
The crew arriving into Húsavík
Waiting for them in our magical bay was a surprise: 10 humpback whales feeding, alongside minke whales and dolphins. They couldn’t believe their eyes. The weather was perfect, so they put the sails up, turned the engine off, and just enjoyed the magic in full—the sound of whales breathing, dolphins splashing, and the wind carrying them home.
Daniel and his family, along with some of our crew members and local journalists, met them at Puffin Island and sailed beside them on one of Gentle Giants' RIB speedboats, giving them a warm welcome into our little town, Húsavík. When they docked, emotions were overflowing—tears of joy and genuine happiness filled the harbour.
The crew in the beautiful harbour of Húsavík after the long adventure
Gentle Giants staff had the honour of meeting our Scottish Vikings and listening to Ian’s stories later that day at the local brewery. I was one of the guides present, and honestly, there was nothing else happening around me—no other thought in my mind but his words. Ian is a professional storyteller, poet, and author, and the way he immersed us in his tales was truly magical. He and Sean brought tears to our eyes with their stories and the emotions they shared.
Their arrival even caught the attention of local and national media. They were featured on the front page of Morgunblaðið, Iceland’s biggest national newspaper, as well as in the opening of Vikublaðið for North Iceland.
Front page cover of Morgunblaðið
Daniel said:
“This was a big moment for the whole family—to finally see this dream fulfilled, and to see my uncle and cousin sailing into Skjálfandi Bay.”
This is something we will never forget. They’ve left their mark on Húsavík—and on me—forever. This memory will be treasured in our hearts, always.
The Silver Moon has left Húsavík and is circumnavigating Iceland, currently in the Westfjords. We wish them all the best in their future journeys, and we hope they’ll come back to tell us about their future adventures—and more sailing stories.
Guide- Nikolina Sokcic
Photos: Daniel Annisius