Are New Boats Really Crazily Expensive?

Sell a Boat, Look for the Next!

New Ropes

When we got our new-to-use Hanse 531, some parts of the running rigging were in terrific shape, as they had been recently renewed, but some other parts quickly joined our to-do list.

New Plotter, Radar, and More

During our first summer with the Hanse 531, I tried my best to figure out the rather old Raymarine instruments. Eventually, however, I gave up (at least a little).

New Wheels

Among our first upgrades was to replace the original hide-covered steering wheels with something fresher.

Some Log Notes

Some days ago, we arrived safely back in Turku, having spent about six weeks’ worth of summer vacation aboard our Hanse sailboat. Here are some reflections (mostly) about the sailing stuff along the way.

New Upholstery

Our fifth sailing season has started! Here is a short run-through of one of our refit projects: upgrading the upholstery.

The Good Night Watch

After having enjoyed beautiful Kalmar for a few days, it was once again time to head forward. This time we had our sights set on lovely Copenhagen.

Going Slowly Upwind

It has been a struggle to gather reliable speed data from our new/old Hanse 531. Mostly because of calibration problems, but partly also because of archaic instruments operating on should-be-obsolete data networks. To start somewhere, I put together some really preliminary stuff we recorded during our sail from Visby to Kalmar.

Great/Terrible Sailing

After more than a week in Visby (yes, we loved the place!) the weather had settled enough for us to bid farewell and head out to seek new adventures. “To Kalmar!” the children were willing us, the night before our early departure, and that did sound like a great idea.