Josin cruise 2021 / 18

Home again.

It has been a long time since the last one, sorry! But the journey from Kristiansand was busy. It was a wise decision to seek more southerly seas, as the weather turned bright summerly, to warm me up again. Heading north-east up the coast, the winds were mostly northerly though, which meant mostly motor-sailing.

Stopped at Lillesand (58 14.8 / 008 22.8) and had an enjoyable evening with earlier Ballad owner Svein Tangen. Then Risør, Finnøya, (58 44.0 / 008 13.6), earlier dingy sailing place. Then on to Stråholmen, (58 14.2 / 009 38.9), off the north end of Jomfruland, where the people there enjoy second hand books. First time there was three years ago, when I happened on, and was invited to a “180 years birthday party”, (three sixty-year-olds). Fun and games and competitions, including darts which got blown away in the wind. They got a proper set this time.

Then Stavern, (59 00.0 / 10 02.6), and an enjoyable evening with Sven and Titten Rønne. Next day met Anne Pettersen, the new owner of a well-known Ballad “Aquila” from Åsgårdstrand, and who needed help, first to start the engine. (Yes). Anne sailed round to Sandefjord (59 07.6 / 010 13.9) next day in Josin, to try and get the feel of a Ballad.

Dinner with Kari, long time no hug, at the restaurant “Huset”, just a few steps from the guest harbour. Ate the most beautifully prepared and deliciously tasting cod ever. Chef’s secret, but the waiter admitted that it had to do with ovens and temperature.

How about a sunrise? Sandefjord.

• 

• 

Next stop, motoring all the way against the northerly, Tønsberg guest harbour, (59 16.1 / 010 24.1), met Gilbert, long time no hug, for a long chat and lunch of fish soup, also delicious. Then on to Åsgårdstrand in the afternoon/evening, thankfully sailing the last few miles in the gentle on-shore breeze, and into my slot in the sailboat harbour. (59 21.1 / 010 28.2). Odd to be home again after three months travelling, (stats later).

Åsgårdstrand at dawn:

• 

• 

There’s still a bit of the sailing season left for pottering-sailing, and hopefully a club Tuesday Regatta, (not serious) or two if the weather is right.

Another dawn: Bit early for the first one. Had to get up during the night to un-tangle the mooring ropes.

• 

• 

Alls well.