Larsnes and Sandhamn

Not having much luck today. A nice sail from Raudholmen until we rounded the corner and met the wind, then it was motor the short distance to Larsnes. What? No pontoon? What was left was high, short and had place for one boat on one side, occupied by a large Danish ketch, with the skipper snoring on the aft deck, and the ambulance boat on the other. Short pontoon on the other side of the tiny bay, so tried that. Only 1,5 m of water, and this was at high tide, so not a place to stay. Short walk to the food shop and back, and then a cuppa and a think. Where to? Only place closer to Statt was Sandhamn, which looked promising, so off we pottered, now into a fairly strong wind and short, sharp waves. Crash and splash to Sandhamn. Two long pontoons, few boats. Plenty of space. Tied up. Oh dear. Pontoon looks a bit dubious, the outer end rotten. No water in the hose, and no power. Went ashore to investigate. “Rosenlund” the place is called. Notice: “Restaurant and facilities closed due to sale of premises. August 2017”. Since when the place has gone downhill. But the rose garden around the deserted parking space is in full bloom, though needing a bit of a prune. Nature cannot be denied, for better or for worse.

What to do? Check weather forecast. 25 knots of north westerly wind for the rest of today and tomorrow, reducing to 15 knots monday. So, no rounding of Statt before then. Stay put? Not any choice really. Closest civilised place is Fosnavåg, upwind and away from Statt. Not a good choice. So, Stay here in Sandhamn. Investigate the island’s attractions, (at least the tourist map on the restaurant wall was readable), by bicycle tomorrow.

Not the best of days. No pictures, no. Dilapidated, depressed buildings would not entertain. Otherwise all is well.