A little island in the outer skerries, once a pilot station. Planned for an afternoon’s sail.
After a sleep-in, a sunday breakfast, a morning being domestic, including a large clothes wash, lunch and a post-lunch snooze, decided, as the weather was propricious, to continue north. Turned out to be a bit strenuous, as the wind strengthened a lot and after a while at a non-sailable angle, we motored and bounced into quite uncomfortable choppy seas. No problem. Until, far from shore: Fishing gear, almost invisible until rather too close, lots of small floats and ropes on the surface. Stopped engine to avoid knitting and sailed out of harms way. Continued back on course on engine. This was in a marked track, though well out to sea. Kept an eagle watch after that, and just as well, another lot of traps for an innocent sailboat. Did the same jig. Very glad to creep into this harbour, which is very small, and an interesting, well-marked narrow lane in. The wind has calmed somewhat now, but has gone round to the NE, so what was a quite sheltered spot is now more exposed to the wind, causing small waves to develop and rock the boat. I’m sure they will not keep me awake! Late now, more tomorrow.
Now Kristinestad
Lovely sail today with a wind from the SE, over the quarter, and plenty of it, so we really scooted along. Long stretches without navigating, then lots of red and green poles to watch, count, evaluate and avoid. Tied up in the official guestharbour outside a large hotel. Only two other boats, one enormous, with lots of sea-scouts, and one small runabout, with family from gran to pram. Need a snooze now, night a little distrubed.
All’s well, from SailorJohn.
Josin's 2025 cruise 