Early morning quiet, 06:00, wednesday 22 May.
After two fast and bumpy sailing days, we are now in Lillesand harbour waiting for the wind to drop to something more comfortable. Even in this sheltered place riggings are whistling. So, what’s been a-happening?
18th May was spent anchored up in a quiet bay, (59 4.6N / 010 13.7E) just south of Sandefjord, fettling. No major things, just those that I’d put off before leaving, og forgotten, but quite a few small ones. Took time. Lovely sunny day, no wind, perfect for fettling. Visits from swans, and ducks.
19th dawned with still no wind, but a little breeze came in in the afternoon and we motor/sailed to Stavern, (59 0.0N / 010 2.6E), where I visited friends Sven and Titten Rønne for a very pleasant evening.
20th provided wind! Plenty. From the north east, which was just what we needed, as we were heading south west. Plan A was to stop at Stråholmen, but half way there it seemed that further goals were much better, and we sailed, very fast but bumpy in the current-troubled waters, to well known Finnøya, (58.44.0N / 009 13.6E), home of the Risør Sailing Club. Two sailing boats there, both 40+-footers, and Josin seemed very small. Quite OK, as long as there is space for Josin.
A good night’s sleep, bright sunny morning again, measured the water temp, but no, not yet.
Then in to Risør town to shop before setting off out into the same bumpy seas and following current, and same strong wind which blew us all the way to Lillesand, (58 14.9N / 008 22.8E), a near 50 NM long stretch in only seven hours. Wheeeee!
Visited old sailor friend Svein Tangen, who no longer sails, but is always good company and keen to hear of my exploits. Coffee and biscuits. Svein’s daughter Elisabeth arrived and the evening stretched out.
Back in the boat it was now too late to continue to Kristiansand, which was the possible plan, before the wind was forecast to blow even harder. But no, better to relax.
And blow it did, still doing it (at mid day). Clouds (what are they now?) rushing past. So, blog and coffee time, then find the diesel leak (which prevents the cabin heater from working and diesel ends up in the bilge), then lunch, then more waiting. Book maybe? Considered taking the inner route, (Blindleia), to Kristiansand, but the very-detailed charts needed for the navigating-fascinating trip, (motor only), are at home, and I don’t want to hit something unseen and lurking.
Wind forecast to reduce to manageable late this afternoon, we’ll see.
Impatient SailorJohn
Josin's 2025 cruise 