Kalmar

We passed Utklippan at teatime, sailing well, so we continued to Sandhamn, 56 05,64/015 51,48 for the night. Few guest boats, several German, one French. Welcoming harbourmaster recommended the pizza place, ” only just over a km down the road and here is a bicycle you can borrow”, but no thanks, not today. (Suspicious about that km, seem to remember last time it was much further).  Forecast for tuesday was promising, but wind, NNE, which would be on the nose, until about 10, veering E and strengthening, so, take it easy tomorrow morning. 

Which I did. At 10, we left, but the wind was still closer to NE. So, motored into it, hoping the change in direction would happen soon. Two hours later. Change course to NNE and hoist sails. Close hauled, in the desired direction, and good speed. Yet again, alone on the wide sea. Main boating season obviously hasn’t started yet.

The wind gradually strengthened and veered. Good. Later veered some more and weakened. Not so good. Later still, only a waft from the south. Bad. So, engine on again, and for the rest of the way to Kalmar. Lovely clear skies and sunshine, and it was surprisingly warm when the wind didn’t blow, and layer after layer of wintery clothing could be discarded, down to shorts level. First of the season! Even feeling a little sunned in the face this evening.

The shopping center just by the harbour shut just as I got there at 7, so supper was taken at McD’s, right at the entrance. Predictable, but OK for a hungry sailor.

Two nights here. Good chance to do a clothes wash and re-stock the fridge etc. Still things to do on the list!

All’s well, from SailorJohn