Shortly before 3:00 pm, the maneuver to uncouple from the mast begins and at 3:00 the airship moves along the coast, up to Vardö. It then turns out to sea, entering the Barents Sea. It is trafficking for which Nobile believes he must use the utmost caution. In that region, storms and particularly strong winds are typical phenomena. Weather forecasts indicate substantially good weather all along the route, but a moderate wind causes persistent roll and pitch.