It rained in Arkøsund, heavily. No way one does anything under those conditions than hunker down and read, or sleep, or listen to the rain, or, Oh dear, discover a leak. Outboard of the chart table, where there is an outlet from a conduit in the deck-sandwich for electric leads, now defunct. Impossible to know where the entry point is. Just place containers underneath and collect, and empty, and…….
Woke, late, to an improving weather, and after yesterday’s evaluation of maybe not moving today, turned over and slept again. Luxury. Hunger insisted that breakfast couldn’t be delayed any more than at about nine, after which another snooze. Chatted the locals, to be told that there was a triathlon event here later. Might be a sight to watch. However, the weather improved so much that the captain decided that triathlons could be triathlons and that further cruising was the thing to do. Pottered round to the fuel dock, and there were the competitors, all clad in lycra and vibrant yellow, and chomping at the bit, so to speak. Saw the start, some very competitive, rushing off into the woods, others not quite so keen, and some, oddly enough, just jogging at the tail of the field. Plenty of spectators, (family?), shouting encouraging remarks. Filled up with diesel, (a lot being used these days), added an icecream to the bill, and pottered away. Surprise, surprise. Officials in rapid dingies scuttling about and waving all other boats to somewhere else, Josin included. Those competitors had by now finished whatever they were doing before and were now swimming across the harbour, vibrant yellow caps very visible. First time I have had to give priority for swimmers to cross my intended path! The last to pass were not going fast at all, so the wait became a bit protracted and tedious.
A motoring day to Stugvik, with the wind almost on the nose all the time, and never enough angle for long enough to sail. Gusts up to 25 kts, and even several over 30. Mostly sunshine, but two stormclouds on the way which huffed and puffed and darkened the sky and rained. Soon over. Arrived at Stugvik at about five thirsty, teatime plus, but no tea until securely tied up, but spent much time and several frustrating attemps in the strong winds to pick up an SXK mooring buoy, as at the critical moment when forward movement stops long enough to clip on a hook, the bow would be veered sideways in the wind and we had to start again. Must have been amusing for the other boats tied up to shore, or on the other buoys.
Forecast is for continuing contrary winds, wind-creating low pressures in a queue, so there will be more motorsailing. We’ll see. Otherwise all is well from SailorJohn
Josin's 2025 cruise 