an island half way between mainland Finland and Sweden. Tall lighthouse. Used to be a Coastguard station, but that moved to a less-exposed place a few years ago, where I spent last night actually. Used to be agriculture and fishing here too, but all gone now. Just tourists and the occasional boat.
Read all about it!
Started from Vaasa yesterday afternoon, having waited for the weather to be more clement. But the clouds brewed again and one enormous thundercloud built up and changed the playing field sufficiently that I put in to a plan B harbour. There to be met by first a very fierce-sounding dog, which turned out to be very tame and friendly, then by inquisitive coastguards and customs. They simpathized, and when they heard where I was heading, produced and gave me detailed chart copies of the best way of getting here. All over sea areas blank white on my charts. No, it’ll be fine, there are lots of new nav-aids. No problem! Slightly sceptical, but very grateful, we did it this morning. Yes, plenty of markers and lead-lines. Piece of cake! Wind was light and sailable to begin with but gradually increased and veered on to the nose, so the engine did its thing admirably most of the way.
Nice spot for lunch this. Jetty good for four boats, two tied up. The other one a small speed boat with a 175hp engine and three diverse gents out for a ‘cruise’. Asked me if I knew where they could buy petrol! Two other tripperboats came, deposited their cargo, who were to walk the nature trail to the other side of the island, and left. Back to us two waiting for the wind to die down a bit. Foecast so, but it hasn’t happened yet. Only about four hours for Josin to a suitable haven in Sweden, so I can well wait quite patiently, and eat the last of the Vaasa-market cherries, and snooze ………
Josin’s WiFi is talking to Sweden. Back in the internet world again, so: All’s well from SailorJohn.
Josin's 2025 cruise 