Mandal, 14 June 17

Lovely sunny day, but too much wind in the wrong direction, so we stay put for the day. Better chance tomorrow. Forecasts are for easterlies, At last! But only for a day.

The last post was short, and referred to a longer post written (in Norwegian), on my other site, “josinjohnnorsk.com”. It doesn’t seem to have been visited, so perhaps something has been wrong. I have tried to update the settings, and I would appreciate it if I got feedback if is available/not available. Thankyou.

Spent a day in Lillesand, and my good friend and Ballad owner, Svein Tangen, was a considerate host and generous transporter. Drove to Sørland Shopping, an eeenormous area of gigantic stores, and it is helpful to have transport to get around. I bought boat things and he bought special shoes. Then to a furniture factory, in search of cushion foam. Helpful chap showed us to the store and encouraged us to help ourselves to the scrap. Found just the thickness and quality, a piece about a quarter of a matress. “OK”. Really? “Yes. If it will not fit in your car, I can cut it up for you!” Amazing! Enough for both of us to improve our sailing comfort.

Comfort needed next day, as the wind started in the NW, as forecast, but veered and strengthened from the W, not forecast. So it was a close-hauled battle into a confused sea. New cushion much appreciated.

You know, at least you ought to know, for I have often told you so, that sardines in their tin, as a spirit level, is an oily sin. Well, an unstable lunch of crispbread and sardines teaches that one should pour out the oil to a safe place as soon as the tin is slightly open. Trousers, yes. Cockpit bench, yes. Marks of honour? Hardly!

So, sailing at sea, and a nice two knot current hustling us along and causing the waves to be steep, with the wind gradually blowing us further away from the shore, plan B was used. Tack to the inshore route and use the engine. Sigh!

Nearing Mandal inlet, there was a small sailing boat behaving very oddly, and inexpertly, so I puttered over and asked if they needed help. Four on board, sails awry, only one who could sail, so he shouted. Outboard kept stopping, attempts to fill it with fuel showered it, so I offered a tow, gratefully accepted. The tranquility of Mandal harbour was a welcome contrast, and the “crew” were very quick to hop ashore. Bye! Happy sailing!

Mandal has a fantastic fish shop, right beside the guest jetty. On my way to a wander around the town I ate two different fishcakes from the paper bag. Scrumptuous. Bought fish and shrimps for dinner on the way back. To be recommended.

Early start tomorrow, make the most of the easterlies.

Alls well!